Native & adapted

Desert marigold

Baileya multiradiata

A silver-leaved Sonoran native that sends up bright yellow flowers through much of the year and readily fills sunny, open ground.

Sonoran nativePollinatorVery low waterReseeding

Landscape layersGround cover

Mature size1–2 ft. tall × 1–2 ft. wide

Climate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b

Special categoriesSONORAN DESERT NATIVE · POLLINATOR ATTRACTING

Hardiness guidanceHardy to about 10°F according to AMWUA

Right plant, right place

Will Desert marigold grow at your Arizona property?

Let it reseed through gravel and between larger plants for a loose flowering layer. Avoid soggy basin bottoms and overly rich amended soil.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b.

Light

Full sun.

Water

Very low. Natural rainfall plus occasional deep irrigation is often enough after establishment.

Planting & stewardship

1
Scatter seed or install small transplants in open mineral soil.
2
Deadhead selectively for a tidier look, leaving some seed for birds and renewal.
3
Remove declining crowns after seed has dropped; young volunteers usually replace them.
4
Use only occasional irrigation after establishment.