Plant of The Month – January
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Copper Canyon Daisy,
Mexican Marigold
Tagetes lemmonii
Copper Canyon Daisy is an aromatic, long-blooming relative of marigolds whose long-lasting flowers shine throughout winter months and attract butterflies.
- Plant Form: Herbaceous evergreen perennial
- Water Use: Low
- Mature Size: 3-5 ft. tall x 4-6 ft. wide
- Exposure: Full Sun or part shade
- Bloom Time: Year-round; Heaviest bloom
Fall – Winter (Sept – Jan) - Native to: Southern Arizona, northern Mexico
- Hardiness: Cold hardy to 5°F (roots); 20°F (foliage)
Copper Canyon Daisy is highly aromatic, releasing a strong fragrance when its foliage is rubbed or brushed against, which is likely the reason that rabbits and deer leave this plant alone. Yellow-orange, daisy-like flowers develop in fall, and provide intense color through late fall, winter, and into early spring, if not damaged by frost. Lacy, dark green foliage is tipped with fragrant oil glands, which release a scent reminiscent of typical marigolds. Cut plant back hard in late winter or spring after blooming subsides to remove any frost-damaged foliage, to promote dense growth, and to keep it a nice shape. This drought-tolerant plant appreciates a little irrigation, but too much water or too little light can produce leggy plants with sparse flowers. Plant Copper Canyon Daisy back from high traffic areas, due to its brittle stems. While not long-lived, this fast-growing plant works well in the background to set off shorter plants in front.
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