Desert marigold Baileya multiradiata
Desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to SW United States and N Mexico deserts. It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Desert marigold in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Desert marigold at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 48 °C (118 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | SW United States and N Mexico deserts |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Desert marigold toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts
Contains hymenoxon; toxic to sheep and goats.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Desert marigold
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Desert marigold in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (6 plants)
- Desert Botanical Garden (32 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (12 plants)
Questions about Desert marigold
- How far apart should I plant Desert marigold?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Desert marigold need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Desert marigold need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Desert marigold?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Desert marigold flower?
- From about March for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Desert marigold poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Contains hymenoxon; toxic to sheep and goats.
- What grows well with Desert marigold?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Desert marigold. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Desert Botanical Garden plant collections and trails, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Desert plant: needs sharp drainage and little summer water once established; rots in wet, heavy soil.
- Short-lived perennial that self-seeds; flowers most of the year with any rain.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus