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 size

1–2 ft. tall × 1–2 ft. wide

Climate fit

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

Special categories

SONORAN DESERT NATIVE · POLLINATOR ATTRACTING

Hardiness guidance

Hardy to about 10°F according to AMWUA

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Cold hardiness

Hardy here

Hardy to about 10°F. No protection needed.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 10°F

Heat tolerance

Takes full sun and heat

Thrives in full and reflected sun. West exposures are fine.

Sources:

Right plant, right place

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.