Tagetes patula Strawberry Blonde

The 'Strawberry Blonde Marigold', in Latin Tagetes (x) patula, is the first variety to offer distinctly shaded flowers in old pink, in a range of tones that evolve depending on the ripeness of the inflorescence, changing slowly in spring or more quickly if temperatures are high. Its slightly tousled pompoms go from dark purple to antique pink, fade to copper-salmon, and redden to burgundy, so that the entire plant, multicoloured, forms a bouquet with vintage tones reminiscent of chrysanthemums. This marigold is truly exceptional, and will appeal to detractors of this plant, often synonymous with garish colours. So beautiful, and so easy to grow!

Tagetes patula 'Strawberry Blonde' is an herbaceous and frost-sensitive perennial plant, grown as an annual in most climates. This hybrid plant from the Asteraceae family is of horticultural origin, derived among others from a wild species paradoxically named African Marigold, native to Mexico, Central America, and western South America. Its other parent, Tagetes patula, is native to tropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico to Bolivia. The plant quickly forms a compact, bushy, upright clump, branching from the base, reaching a height of 25 cm (10in) and a diameter of 30 cm (12in). Its robust angular stems carry large double flowers, terminal, with variable colours on the same plant, resembling large pompoms. Their colouring, which evolves and contains pink shades, is truly exceptional for a marigold. Its leaves, 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long, are deeply cut and loaded with an essential oil with medicinal properties, whose characteristic smell recalls citrus and pepper, or even apple.

Marigolds and African Marigolds, thanks to their very easy cultivation, are star plants in summer flowerbeds, borders or in pots on the terrace. The strong stems allow for beautiful summer bouquets. The 'Strawberry Blonde' variety, itself a veritable bouquet of blended hues, naturally finds its place in flower boxes and pots. It can also be planted en masse at the edge of a flowerbed or pathway, as its colours are easy on the eye. It also pairs well with the grey foliage of artemisias and stachys, and with ageratums. Its combination with foliage plants is always successful: tansies, Kochia Childsii or small grasses (Stipa, Carex, Festuca) will temper its large double corollas. The marigold is edible, and its petals can be added to summer salads to enhance their flavour and colour.

The smell of marigold foliage, and the substances secreted by their roots, repel certain pests, which is why these plants are often grown among vegetables in the kitchen garden. The African Marigold is also a medicinal and dye plant, from which an essential oil and a yellow food colourant are extracted.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14C° for a few weeks before being installed outdoors once the risk of frost has definitively passed.