Cape Marigold Dimorphotheca sinuata Play pronunciation

Cape marigold is an ornamental, daisy-like annual from South Africa that provides a showy groundcover. Having escaped cultivation in the United States, the plant is found along roadsides or in disturbed areas in California and Arizona. The cape marigold measures 4 to 12 inches tall, with an upright, sprawling habit, reddish stems, light green foliage, and large orange or yellow daisy-like flowers. It is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae). The genus name, Dimorphotheca, is Greek and derived from three words:  dis, meaning "two," morphe, meaning "shape or form," and theka, meaning "fruit." This is interpreted as "fruits with two forms." The fruits produced by the ray florets are wingless, and the fruits produced by the disc florets are flat and 2-winged. The specific epithet, sinnuata, means "wavy edges," and refers to the foliage margins.

Prefers full sun and needs well-drained, sandy soils. Once it is established, it is drought-tolerant. Propagated by seeds and will reseed and colonize, thus producing a colorful display year after year.

The foliage may have shallow lobes or toothed margins. The sun-facing flowers measure up to 3 inches wide in shades of yellow and orange and close at night and on cloudy days. They are not a good candidate for cutting, since the flowers remain closed when brought indoors. Deadheading will help the plant produce the most blossoms.

This plant grows well in rock gardens or dry areas and attracts butterflies and bees. It has naturalized in California and Arizona.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant insect or disease problems. The Cape Marigold is listed as invasive in the Dominican Republic. In California and Australia, this plant is considered a weed.