Tagetes lemmonii

Tagetes lemmonii, or Mexican Marigold, is a bushy evergreen shrub with finely divided foliage that releases an intense fragrance when brushed or rubbed. The plant produces orange-yellow flowers in fall-winter and sporadically in other seasons. Flowering is triggered by short day length, so overcast weather can extend flowering in spring. It should be planted in the sun or part shade in well-drained soil. While the plant is drought-tolerant in coastal gardens, it looks best with some irrigation. However, too much water or too little light can result in leggy plants that don't bloom well. The plant is frost-tender to hard frost but can rebound quickly and is hardy to at least 18°F. It can be severely pruned back or hedged, which may reduce or delay flowering. Care should be taken when pruning, as some have reported that the plant can cause slight dermatitis.

Tagetes lemmonii is native to southern Arizona and northern Mexico, where it grows in canyons at elevations between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. It is also known as Mountain Marigold, Copper Canyon Daisy, and Perennial Marigold. The plant's scent is a mix of marigold, lemon, and mint, which some people enjoy while others find unpleasant. Fortunately, deer seem to leave this plant alone. It was discovered by self-taught field botanists and husband and wife John (1832-1908) and Sara (1836 – 1923) Lemmon in southeastern Arizona.

Height: 2'-4'
Spread: 3'-5'
Bloom: Late Fall, Winter
Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water: Low
Zone: 8, 9, 10, 11
Origin: Southwestern U.S & Mexico