Marigold flowers come in a wide variety of types, each offering colorful blooms and beneficial insect-repelling qualities. They beautify gardens while repelling harmful bugs, making them a versatile gardener's choice.
Marigolds are beloved for their bright, cheerful flowers and ability to repel pests, making them a favorite in gardens. With numerous types of marigolds available, gardeners can choose varieties based on flower color, size, and pest-repelling abilities. Whether you want to enhance your garden’s aesthetic or protect your vegetables from harmful insects, marigolds offer a versatile solution. They are also incredibly easy to grow, even for beginners, requiring minimal care and thriving in various conditions. Here are some of the best types of marigolds for colorful flowers and natural pest control.
African marigolds, also known as Aztec marigolds or American marigolds, are among the tallest and largest marigold varieties. They are characterized by their large, full, pom-pom-like blooms that come in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and cream. Their sturdy, upright growth makes them ideal for the back of flower beds or as statement plants.
African marigolds are effective at repelling a variety of insects and pests. Their strong scent is known to deter common garden pests such as aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies. They are best used to repel above-ground pests and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which feed on pests such as aphids and caterpillars. They are also ideal for gardeners looking for large, showy blooms in addition to pest control.
These marigolds are good for hot, dry garden conditions where other marigold plants might struggle.
African or Aztec Marigold – Tagetes erecta
Hardiness |
2 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Asteraceae |
Genus | Tagetes |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Birds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Edging |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
2 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Asteraceae |
Genus | Tagetes |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Birds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Edging |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!