Lemmon’s Marigold Brings Flowers to Desert Gardens in Spring and Fall
The deep yellow flowers of this shrubby perennial herald the arrival of both seasons in drought-tolerant gardens
Noelle Johnson
September 28, 2016
Native to the Southwest, Lemmon’s marigold (Tagetes lemmonii), with its yellow daisy flowers and dark green, aromatic foliage, thrives in arid climates and adds a bright color splash to desert gardens. It brings softness to the landscape with its mounded growth habit and blooms in spring through fall.
This member of the sunflower family will die back when temperatures dip into the low 20s, only to grow quickly in spring after being pruned back severely. Like many plants that thrive in drought-tolerant gardens, Lemmon’s marigold is relatively fuss-free, and it delivers brilliant color as well.
This member of the sunflower family will die back when temperatures dip into the low 20s, only to grow quickly in spring after being pruned back severely. Like many plants that thrive in drought-tolerant gardens, Lemmon’s marigold is relatively fuss-free, and it delivers brilliant color as well.
Botanical name: Tagetes lemmonii
Common names: Lemmon’s marigold, Mt. Lemmon marigold, copper canyon daisy, mountain marigold
Origin: Native to Arizona and Mexico
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 8; find your zone)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun; must have filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 4 to 6 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide
Benefits and tolerances: Drought-tolerant; deer-resistant
Seasonal interest: Aromatic foliage, dark yellow flowers in spring and fall with sporadic blooms in summer
When to plant: Spring or fall
Common names: Lemmon’s marigold, Mt. Lemmon marigold, copper canyon daisy, mountain marigold
Origin: Native to Arizona and Mexico
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 8; find your zone)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun; must have filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 4 to 6 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide
Benefits and tolerances: Drought-tolerant; deer-resistant
Seasonal interest: Aromatic foliage, dark yellow flowers in spring and fall with sporadic blooms in summer
When to plant: Spring or fall
Distinguishing traits. The dark green foliage is made up of narrow leaves with an aroma that some describe as a mixture of mint and lemon. Deer stay clear of Lemmon’s marigold, as they don’t like the scent. It’s important to note that while many people enjoy the smell of the aromatic foliage, some do not. However, whether you like the fragrance or not, it’s hard to beat the color and beauty that this Arizona native adds to the landscape.
The relatively mild temperatures of spring and fall bring on a flush of 1-inch-wide dark yellow daisies that add rich color to the landscape. Occasional flowering can also occur in summer, but it isn’t as heavy as in spring and fall.
Lemmon’s marigold anchors the corner of a drought-tolerant landscape.
How to use it. Plant Lemmon’s marigold in the background of the garden or off to the side, where it will have plenty of room to grow, and where its bright yellow flowers can complement other shades of color in the garden. Pair it with other large shrubs, such as Baja fairy duster (Calliandra californica), red bird-of-paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and Texas ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens), for a colorful backdrop.
If you don’t like the smell of the aromatic foliage, you can place this Southwestern native in the background to enjoy all of the beauty it has to offer without the scent.
How to use it. Plant Lemmon’s marigold in the background of the garden or off to the side, where it will have plenty of room to grow, and where its bright yellow flowers can complement other shades of color in the garden. Pair it with other large shrubs, such as Baja fairy duster (Calliandra californica), red bird-of-paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and Texas ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens), for a colorful backdrop.
If you don’t like the smell of the aromatic foliage, you can place this Southwestern native in the background to enjoy all of the beauty it has to offer without the scent.
The flowers of Lemmon’s marigold contrast those of Cleveland sage beautifully.
Lemmon’s marigold can add to the warm color palette when planted with plants that have flowers in shades of orange and red, such as ‘Blue Elf’ aloe (Aloe ‘Blue Elf’), coral fountain (Russelia equisetiformis), firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) and flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii).
Conversely, the bright yellow flowers of this marigold can be used to create great color contrast when paired with purple-flowering plants, such as Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii), desert ruellia (Ruellia peninsularis), Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) and trailing purple lantana (Lantana montevidensis).
This marigold can also be used as a container plant or an informal hedge, or can be planted along a south-facing wall.
Lemmon’s marigold can add to the warm color palette when planted with plants that have flowers in shades of orange and red, such as ‘Blue Elf’ aloe (Aloe ‘Blue Elf’), coral fountain (Russelia equisetiformis), firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) and flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii).
Conversely, the bright yellow flowers of this marigold can be used to create great color contrast when paired with purple-flowering plants, such as Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii), desert ruellia (Ruellia peninsularis), Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) and trailing purple lantana (Lantana montevidensis).
This marigold can also be used as a container plant or an informal hedge, or can be planted along a south-facing wall.
Planting notes. Plant in well-drained soil in an area that receives full sun. (In the low desert, it should be planted in lightly filtered shade for best results.) Fertilize in spring with a slow-release fertilizer to maximize flowering.
This marigold species will die back in regions where freezing temperatures are the norm in winter. Once the danger of freezing temperatures has passed, prune Lemmon’s marigold severely to 1 foot tall, which will stimulate new growth, keep it attractive and promote flowering.
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This marigold species will die back in regions where freezing temperatures are the norm in winter. Once the danger of freezing temperatures has passed, prune Lemmon’s marigold severely to 1 foot tall, which will stimulate new growth, keep it attractive and promote flowering.
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10 Plants for Colorful Fall Blooms in the Drought-Tolerant Garden
See how to grow more Great Design Plants
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