Mexican Marigold, a one-season wonder, joins the aster family party with big, round flowers in yellow, orange, and creamy white.
Mexican Marigold, or Tagetes erecta if we're being proper, is a tall flowering plant hailing from Mexico and Central America. Identify it by its cluster party of orange or yellow flowers chilling on long stems that can hit a cool 4 ft (1.2 m). The leaves? Dark green and finely divided, adding a touch of elegance. They're like the summer vibe that hangs around from June to frost. And don't worry, they're the friendly marigolds – not the invasive garden bullies. Even though they're called Mexican, they've got a bit of Africa in their history – brought over through those African ports to European gardens.