Baileya multiradiata (Desert Marigold)
Desert Marigold, Showy Desert Marigold, Paper Daisy, Desert Baileya, Baileya multiradiata var. thurberi
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, containers, naturalized 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.
Buy Baileya multiradiata (Desert Marigold)
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 |
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 – 75cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | 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, California, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
By Dominic Gentilcore PhD, Irinak, Steve Shoup, Shutterstock\
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.
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 |
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 – 75cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | 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, California, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |