Plants in genus tagetes
Tagetes erecta
Tagetes erecta, also known as 'Mum Yellow', is a marigold with chrysanthemum-like flowers. Its 3-inch blooms are edible, with a slightly bitter, citrusy flavor. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, this plant is drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies. It is widely used for medicinal, ceremonial, and decorative purposes, including Day of the Dead celebrations. The plant's long flowering period and ease of cultivation make it a popular choice for gardens.
Tagetes lucida
Tagetes lucida, also known as Mexican marigold, is a perennial herb with a tarragon-like scent and hints of anise. Native to Mexico and Central America, it grows 18-30 inches tall and produces clusters of small golden yellow flowers. This plant is used in culinary and medicinal applications, and its leaves can be smoked as an entheogen. It is drought-tolerant and easier to grow than French tarragon, making it a versatile herb for gardens.
Tagetes tenuifolia
Tagetes tenuifolia, commonly known as rock-garden marigolds, are bushy annuals with lacy, scented foliage and edible lemon and tangerine blossoms. These marigolds grow up to 12 inches tall and are known for attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. They are drought-tolerant and deer and rabbit resistant, making them a hardy choice for sunny, well-draining garden spots.
Tagetes patula
Tagetes patula, commonly known as marigold, is an easy-to-grow annual plant with yellow and maroon flowers. It blooms from summer to frost and is known for attracting butterflies and repelling soil nematodes. This plant is edible with a strong flavor and is widely cultivated for its vibrant blooms and practical benefits.
Tagetes lemmonii
Tagetes lemmonii, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, is a hardy shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall. It is known for its fragrant foliage and small orange and yellow flowers that bloom from fall into spring. This drought-tolerant plant can withstand light frosts and is suitable for sunny locations.
Tagetes patula 'Red Metamorph'
Tagetes patula 'Red Metamorph' is a fascinating marigold variety that changes flower color with temperature, displaying deep burgundy in cooler weather and yellow splashes in warmer conditions. This plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall and is known for its prolific blooming. It is edible, with a strong flavor, and attracts beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to any garden focused on biodiversity.