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Tagetes lemmonii (Mexican Marigold)

Lemmon's Marigold, Mt. Lemmon Marigold, Copper Canyon Daisy, Mountain Marigold, Perennial Marigold, Bush Marigold, Tangerine-scented Marigold, Mexican Bush Marigold, Shrub Marigold

Tagetes lemmonii, Mexican Marigold, Shrub Marigold, Mexican Bush Marigold, Mount Lemmon Marigold, Copper Canyon Daisy, Mediterranean shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Yellow flowers, Orange flowers, drought tolerant flowers

Tagetes lemmonii (Mexican Marigold) is a sprawling evergreen shrub noted for its aromatic foliage and brightly colored flowers. In constant bloom during short-day seasons (fall, winter), with off blooms in other seasons, Mexican Marigold gets covered with bright golden daisy-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with darker yellow discs. Highly fragrant when rubbed or brushed against, the deeply divided leaves fill the air with their pleasant pungent odor. The musky fragrance discourages deer, yet bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers.

  • Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 6-10 ft. wide (180-300 cm).
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates part shade, but may get leggy in too much shade and bloom less. Drought tolerant, but performs best with regular irrigation. Tolerant of heat and poor, calcareous soils
  • Great as a foundation plant or low hedge for Mediterranean gardens.
  • Cuttings are very easy to root. You also can divide clumps in spring or plant from seed.
  • Trim to shape, but this may reduce or delay flowering.
  • Native to southern Arizona, northern Mexico

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Tagetes
Common names Marigold
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spacing 120" (3m)
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Arizona
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Tagetes patula ‘Legion of Honor’ (French Marigold)
Tagetes patula ‘Konstance’ (French Marigold)
Tagetes erecta Big Duck Orange F1 (African Marigold)
Tagetes erecta Garuda Deep Gold F1 (African Marigold)
Tagetes erecta Big Duck Yellow F1 (African Marigold)
Tagetes erecta Big Duck Gold F1 (African Marigold)

Recommended Companion Plants

Aeonium ‘Sunburst’
Agave ‘Blue Flame’
Aloe striata (Coral Aloe)
Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage)

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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 8 - 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Tagetes
Common names Marigold
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spacing 120" (3m)
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Arizona
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Tagetes (Marigold)
Guides with
Tagetes (Marigold)
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