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Baileya multiradiata (Desert Marigold)

Desert Marigold, Showy Desert Marigold, Paper Daisy, Desert Baileya, Baileya multiradiata var. thurberi

Baileya multiradiata, Desert Marigold, Showy Desert Marigold, Paper Daisy, Desert Baileya, Baileya multiradiata var. thurberi, yellow flowers

Small and colorful, Baileya multiradiata (Desert Marigold) is a biennial or short-lived perennial forming an impressive mound of brilliant yellow marigold-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), from early spring to late fall. Long-lasting, the blossoms rise on nearly leafless stems above the foliage of woolly, silvery-green, deeply lobed leaves. One plant can bear as many as 20 to 50 flowers most of the year. Attracting bees and butterflies, the flowers lose their 50-60 ray florets early, leaving behind a nodding stalk holding the disc florets where the seeds develop. Native to arid regions of northern Mexico and the southwest United States, Desert marigold is a well-behaved plant with a low and spreading habit, that thrives in poor, dry soils and extreme heat. Easy to grow and low care, Desert Marigold is somewhat short-lived as a perennial, but will self-sow readily in favorable conditions. Desert Marigold, is a ray of sunshine in the dry sunny garden. Great along walkways, around rocks and in wildflower plantings.

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 24-30 in. wide (60-75 cm).
  • Prefers full sun in sandy or rocky, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Established plants grow well with very little and infrequent summer water. Drought tolerant once established.
  • It is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, rock gardens, containersnaturalized areas or Mediterranean gardens.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant. It is subject to crown rot if the soil is too wet.
  • Propagate by seed (no treatment).
  • This plant is poisonous to sheep and does not seem to affect other animals.
  • Native to western North America, especially the US desert southwest and northern Mexico.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Common names Desert Marigold
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 30"
(60cm - 80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Southwest, California, Rocky Mountains, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Utah
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Rain Gardens
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Recommended Companion Plants

Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus)
Atriplex canescens (Four-Wing Saltbush)
Yucca elata (Soaptree Yucca)
Verbesina encelioides (Golden Crownbeard)
Larrea tridentata (Creosote Bush)
Justicia californica (Chuparosa)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Common names Desert Marigold
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 30"
(60cm - 80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Southwest, California, Rocky Mountains, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Utah
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Rain Gardens
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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