Tagetes lemmonii (Mexican Marigold)

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