Copper canyon daisy appears, better late than never
Fans of copper canyon daisy (Tagetes lemmonii) had nearly given up on seeing the familiar mounds of golden-yellow flowers in Austin this fall. In conversations with other garden bloggers I learned that this xeric, fragrant-leaved perennial had died or suffered severely during our recent drought-stricken, sunburnt summer. In my own garden, my two plants squeaked through intact thanks to a shadier location than they’d normally prefer, plus a weekly watering. They normally bloom in early November, but this year has been far from normal. Here it is, early December, and my copper canyon daisies are finally putting on a sparse show.
This may be it, as I’m expecting a first freeze in my garden tonight and another tomorrow. Still, if it only gets down to 30 F (-1.11 C), the cheery flowers of this Mexican native may hold on a little longer.
Either way, the glorious ‘Color Guard’ yucca won’t mind a little cold weather. How about you?
All material © 2006-2011 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
When I read your post, I went out to check my one remaining Copper Canyon Daisy and it didn’t bloom. We’ll have a freeze tonight here too so that’s pretty much it.
Maybe next year, right, Shirley? —Pam
I just planted my first one this fall when I found the perfect lighting and spot for it to abound! But you’re right: this year has been a weirdo. Love your copper canyon with the Color Guard, too! It’ll be interesting to see what things look like in the morning. . .what a year!
You said it, Linda. I’m counting on a mild winter this year, just as a break from the extremes. —Pam
I do need to get some of those color guard. They look magnificent. Do you think they are hardy in this cold garden? I have about one flower on my ccd but that’s because they got no water all summer. One died the others are clinging to life. Tonight will probably spell their doom.
‘Color Guard’ yucca is very cold hardy, Jenny, as many yuccas are. I don’t think you’d have any trouble with it but would recommend planting it in spring rather than fall, to get it established before cold, wet weather occurs. —Pam
My ccd passed, sadly. But I did notice several in the neighborhood today that were in bloom! Had to double-take to make sure I was actually seeing ccd – I had all but given up on them! I love your optimism in the comment above – “cold, WET weather” – lol!
I am hopeful for the wet, not so much for the cold, Cat. So sorry to hear about your copper canyon daisies. I sure thought they were tougher about drought. Didn’t you? —Pam
I like winter. Might as well because it is coming whether I want it to or not. Your daisy is beautiful. It looks great by the yucca. Those golden colors are perfect this time of year. I don’t have anything blooming now. It is 32as I type.
It’s below freezing here this morning, Lisa. Brr! We’ll see how the daisy looks after a night below the comfort zone. —Pam
Oh when I see these gorgeous photos I wish I still lived out west! Although it has been unseasonably warm out here on the east coast, winter is approaching and most everything is gone…always love your beautiful photos.
Thanks, Robin. It’s looking a little more wintry here today, after a hard freeze last night. But the copper canyon daisy is still perky! —Pam
Love the contrast of the wispy daisy with the bold Yucca.
I’m glad we can grow so many bold plants in central Texas because we have an awful lot of wispy xeric perennials that need that contrast! —Pam
This year Copper Canyon Daisy was visually silent in my garden, but its strong scent always attracts my attention when I walk by. Thanks to your lovely photos, I added 2 Color Guard yuccas to my garden this year. They look great and I’m glad to hear they are cold hardy.
I know you’ll enjoy those Color Guard yuccas, Ally. They are stunning year-round, and another nice thing is they don’t get too big. —Pam
I absolutely love Jerusalem Sage. I am surprised I do not see it more often.