Passionfruit Marigold

Passionfruit marigold, tree marigold, Mexican marigold - all refer to a lovely shrub (Tagetes lemmonii) that, in full bloom, reminds me of a cloud of sunshine!

Spilling out our front fence.

Named after botanist John Lemmon, and originating in southern Arizona and Mexico, they are a perennial marigold whose foliage has a sweet fruity smell, not unlike passionfruit (funny that…). I have one at my front fence, engulfing the gate - so much so that people can't work out how to open the gate because the latch is hidden (ok so my friends aren’t rocket scientists). But you just have to delve into the bush, and in doing so you come out smelling divine!! I haven't come across a person yet who doesn't like it. Right now, it’s smothered in little golden yellow daisy like flowers abuzz with bees, and will continue to bloom all winter and into spring.

Honey bee on passionfruit marigold.

Mostly they grow to maybe 1.5m, but mine is definitely over head high. They do respond really well to a good prune though, which helps keep them bushy and improve the gold to green ratio. They also tolerate drought really well (I NEVER water that garden!) so are the perfect plant for that dry sunny spot. They can self-seed so are easy to start if you get your hands on some, and I have noticed a couple spread across to the other side of the driveway but they are easy enough to distinguish (just crush the foliage!) and simple to pull out while young.

I highly recommend them if you can get your hands on one, and if you do, plant it somewhere where you brush past it so you can enjoy the smell.

Passionfruit marigold glowing at twilight.