Tagetes lemmonii - Mexican Marigold

The Lemmon Marigold (Tagetes lemmonii), also known as Shrub Marigold or Mexican Marigold in English, is a evergreen shrubby perennial renowned for its abundant golden-yellow autumn flowering and its foliage that emits a surprising passion fruit scent. It brings a lot of cheer to the garden or terrace towards the end of the season. It is easily grown in the ground in Mediterranean gardens without watering. In cooler climates, it is used as an annual or in pots as a conservatory plant.

The Tagetes lemmonii belongs to the Asteraceae family, just like the French Marigolds that are more familiar to us. This species is native to the mountainous regions of northwest Mexico (especially in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa) and southern Arizona, particularly around Mount Lemmon in Texas. These regions are characterized by a semi-arid to desert climate, with hot and dry summers and relatively mild winters. Temperatures can drop below 0°C at certain altitudes, but frosts are light. In the wild, this Lemmon marigold grows in various habitats such as canyons, cliffs, woods, and dry meadows, where the soil is well-drained and often nutrient-poor. It is found between 1200 and 2400 m above sea level.

Tagetes lemmonii is a bushy plant with a woody base and stems. The plant reaches between 50 and 80 cm in all directions in our climates, but 1 to 2 m in the wild. Its evergreen winter leaves, dark green and finely divided, emit a strong lemony scent when crushed. The generous flowering occurs from October to December, sometimes extending to April if there is no frost. This demonstrates excellent adaptation to Mediterranean-type climates. The single flowers, in heads, are grouped in flat corymbs. Each flower, about 4 cm in diameter, consists of bright yellow petals and small central floral discs. This generous flowering attracts a variety of pollinating fauna, including butterflies and bees. Spontaneous seedlings are not uncommon in light soil. The plant is particularly drought-resistant once established, it tolerates light frosts (down to -5°C).

In a dry or Mediterranean garden, Tagetes lemmonii is ideal for borders or rockeries. Its sunny late-season flowering harmonizes perfectly with those of red bushy salvias, South African daisies like Euryops pectinatus, and Perovskia 'Lacey Blue'. Combine it with lavenders and Nepeta 'Kit Cat' to create an interesting contrast with their silvery grey foliage.