{"product_id":"mexican-marigold-tagetes-lemmonii","title":"Tagetes lemmonii (Mexican Marigold)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBright Golden Blooms That Thrive in California’s Climate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTagetes lemmonii\u003c\/strong\u003e is a drought tolerant, winter-blooming perennial shrub that brings bright yellow flowers, aromatic foliage, and pollinator value to California gardens with very little water once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommonly known as \u003cstrong\u003emexican marigold\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003elemmon’s marigold\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ecopper canyon daisy\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003emountain marigold\u003c\/strong\u003e, or Mexican bush marigold, this plant is ideal for homeowners who want high-impact color without high-maintenance care. It thrives in full sun, handles dry soil, and produces golden-yellow bloom displays through the cooler months when many landscape plants are resting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love This Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlooms when your garden needs it most\u003c\/strong\u003e – The flowers of Tagetes lemmonii bloom primarily in late fall and winter, providing essential nectar for pollinators when many other plants are dormant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade for low-water landscapes\u003c\/strong\u003e – Once established, Tagetes lemmonii becomes drought-tolerant and does not require nutrient-rich soil, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupports bees and butterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e – Tagetes lemmonii, also known as Mexican bush marigold, produces bright yellow flowers that serve as a valuable food source for butterflies and bees, particularly during cooler months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent for pollinator gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e – Tagetes lemmonii is recognized for its ability to attract pollinators, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and xeriscaping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNaturally aromatic and pest resistant\u003c\/strong\u003e – The aromatic foliage of Tagetes lemmonii is known to deter many garden pests, which may contribute to its use in traditional herbal medicine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA sensory garden favorite\u003c\/strong\u003e – The foliage releases a strong fragrance upon contact, making Tagetes lemmonii a staple in sensory gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow maintenance after establishment\u003c\/strong\u003e – Once established, Tagetes lemmonii requires minimal maintenance and thrives in poor or alkaline soil, needing little to no supplemental fertilizer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the kind of plant that earns its space: colorful in fall, winter, and spring; resilient in summer; and useful for pollinators, deer-resistant planting schemes, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/california-lilac-ceanothus\"\u003esustainable California landscaping with native shrubs like California lilac\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost marigolds are short-lived annuals planted for summer color. \u003cstrong\u003eTagetes lemmonii\u003c\/strong\u003e is different: it is a woody, shrubby \u003cstrong\u003eperennial shrub\u003c\/strong\u003e in the \u003cstrong\u003eAsteraceae family\u003c\/strong\u003e, within the \u003cstrong\u003eTagetes genus\u003c\/strong\u003e, and it returns year after year in the right climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTagetes lemmonii\u003c\/strong\u003e stands apart because:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt blooms in the off-season\u003c\/strong\u003e – This plant is known for its late fall blooms, producing a profusion of golden-yellow flowers that brighten the landscape when many other plants are dormant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt is built for dry, sunny gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e – Tagetes lemmonii thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, is drought-tolerant once established, and is generally resistant to pests due to its aromatic foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt offers fragrance plus color\u003c\/strong\u003e – The pungent scent is released when the finely divided foliage is brushed or cut, adding another layer of interest near garden paths, patio edges, and outdoor seating areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt handles challenging soil better than many ornamentals\u003c\/strong\u003e – Tagetes lemmonii must be planted in sharply well-draining soil and adapts well to poor, rocky, sandy, or alkaline soils but struggles in heavy clay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt has botanical and cultural depth\u003c\/strong\u003e – Tagetes lemmonii has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its calming and digestive properties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt is part of a researched plant group\u003c\/strong\u003e – Research on Tagetes lemmonii is limited, but studies on related species within the Tagetes genus indicate potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the mountain ranges of southern Arizona and northern Mexico, Tagetes lemmonii thrives at high elevations between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. Its native range in the southwestern United States and Mexico helps explain why it handles sun, dry air, rocky soil, and seasonal temperature shifts so well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow Tagetes Lemmonii Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in full sun and well drained soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTagetes lemmonii thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, and can tolerate some light afternoon shade in extremely hot summers. Choose sharply well drained soil and avoid areas where water sits, since poor drainage can lead to root rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater regularly during the first growing season\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGive the roots consistent water while the plant establishes. After that, reduce frequency and water deeply only as needed. Once established, this plant becomes drought tolerant and performs well in dry California garden conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLet it settle into years of seasonal bloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpect yellow flowers from fall through winter and into spring in mild climates. Tagetes lemmonii, also known as Mexican Marigold or Lemmon’s Marigold, is a shrubby plant that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide, featuring bright yellow flowers and fragrant foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrune for shape and stronger growth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePruning is recommended in late winter or early spring to promote bushy growth and remove frost damage. You can also prune Tagetes lemmonii anytime to shape or control its size, but wear protection if sensitive to the plant’s foliage oils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor best observations over time, give this marigold room to grow. Its leaves are pinnately compound, narrow, and finely divided, creating soft-textured foliage around the bright flower display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tagetes lemmonii\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tagetes lemmonii is commonly known as Copper Canyon Daisy, Lemmon’s Marigold, or Mexican Bush Marigold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial shrub in mild climates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Asteraceae family\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tagetes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–6 feet tall, 6–8 feet wide in many California landscapes; Tagetes lemmonii, also known as Mexican Marigold or Lemmon’s Marigold, is a shrubby plant that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide, featuring bright yellow flowers and fragrant foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fall, winter, and spring, with strongest flowering in cooler months\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright yellow flowers to golden-yellow flowers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, 6–8 hours daily; tolerates part shade or light afternoon shade in extremely hot summer conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e This plant prefers well-draining soil with moderate fertility and can adapt to sandy, loamy, or rocky soils, thriving best in a mix enriched with organic matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to moderate once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tagetes lemmonii is optimally grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11, withstanding cold snaps down to approximately 15°F to 18°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low once established; prune in late winter or early spring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pollinators, fragrance, drought tolerance, deer resistance, and long seasonal bloom\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plant is a strong choice if you want color without constant fertilizer, water, or fuss. Avoid heavy clay that stays wet, and apply mulch lightly around the root zone without burying the crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For These Landscape Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eXeriscaping and drought-tolerant garden designs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollinator gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground plantings and informal borders\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia native-inspired and sustainable landscaping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHomeowners wanting year-round color with minimal water use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunny slopes, dry banks, and garden edges\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensory gardens where scent, foliage, and flower color matter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer-resistant planting plans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMixed borders that need fall, winter, and spring bloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse \u003cstrong\u003ecopper canyon daisy\u003c\/strong\u003e behind lower perennials, along a sunny fence line, or near a walkway where the foliage can be brushed and the scent enjoyed. The plant’s rounded shape, yellow flowers, and durable roots make it especially useful where traditional landscape plants struggle with heat, dry soil, or limited irrigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much water does it need once established?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery little compared with many ornamental shrubs. After the first growing season, water deeply but infrequently. Let the soil dry somewhat between waterings to protect the roots and reduce the risk of root rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it survive winter in my area?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTagetes lemmonii is optimally grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11, withstanding cold snaps down to approximately 15°F to 18°F. In many California mild climates, it stays evergreen or semi-evergreen and continues its fall, winter, and spring bloom cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big will it get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlan for a mature size of about 4–6 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide in the landscape. Tagetes lemmonii, also known as Mexican Marigold or Lemmon’s Marigold, is a shrubby plant that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide, featuring bright yellow flowers and fragrant foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it really bloom in winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The flowers of Tagetes lemmonii bloom primarily in late fall and winter, providing essential nectar for pollinators when many other plants are dormant. In mild climates, bloom may continue into spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it safe around pets?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTagetes lemmonii is generally considered low risk, but always supervise pets around new plants. The foliage oils are pungent and may irritate sensitive skin or mouths, so avoid letting pets chew the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does the foliage smell so strong?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe aromatic foliage releases scent when brushed, cut, or handled. Gardeners commonly describe the fragrance as citrusy, minty, musky, or marigold-like. Wear gloves when pruning if you are sensitive to scented plant oils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is Lemmon’s Marigold named for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTagetes lemmonii was named to honor John Gill Lemmon, the husband of Sara Lemmon, connected with early botanical collections in southern Arizona.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Add Year-Round Color?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose \u003cstrong\u003eTagetes lemmonii\u003c\/strong\u003e for bright yellow flowers, aromatic foliage, pollinator support, and dependable drought tolerant performance in California gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYardwork delivers quality plants for California landscapes, with information provided to help you plant confidently. Need help choosing the right placement? Ask about our consultation support for landscape design, sun exposure, soil selection, and spacing. Our soil testing services can also help you find drainage issues before planting so your mexican marigold can thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":42366417404077,"sku":"","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/TagetesLemonii5Gal.jpg?v=1707262470","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/mexican-marigold-tagetes-lemmonii","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}