Signet Marigold Lemon Gem - Tagetes tenuifolia

Signet marigold 'Lemon Gem' is an adorable variety that forms neat, rounded cushions of light, feathery leaves. From summer through till autumn, it is smothered in small, shiny lemon-yellow flowers. Unfazed by grey, rainy weather, this little gem is ideal for highlighting the edges of pathways or lawns.

Tagetes tenuifolia, commonly known as Signet marigold, is a tender herbaceous annual that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the valleys of South America where it occurs naturally on dry, hot, rocky slopes. It is not cold hardy and is generally treated as an annual in colder climates. 'Lemon Gem' quickly forms tidy, bushy clumps, about 25 cm tall and wide. They are covered with mid-green, finely divided leaves that are mildly scented. The flowering period lasts from late June to October, providing spent flowers are removed regularly. This variety features single flowerheads that measure 2-3 cm in diameter. They are composed of 5 wide, bright lemon-yellow ray flowers around a central golden yellow disc. Signet marigolds self-seed easily however they are not always true to type.

Signet marigolds are star plants in summer flower beds. Brightly coloured and cheerful with a tidy habit, easy to grow and floriferous, they are ideal for borders and window boxes. They can be planted in small patches alongside grey-leaved mugwort and stachys, green-leaved tansies or Kochia Childsii, or small ornamental grasses which will soften their flamboyant colours. Their orange, yellow or red blooms mix well with blue-flowering catmints or perennial flax. Signet marigold can be also be used in potpourris, for their rather pungent lemony scent.

Good to know: Tagetes tenuifolia has intensely aromatic leaves and the substances secreted by their roots repel various harmful insects, making them an excellent companion plant in the vegetable garden. Tagetes tenuifolia was once used by the Mayas of Guatemala for its medicinal properties, particularly for relieving upset stomachs. However, it should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.