Cape Marigold Plant Care

Cape Marigold (Dimorphotheca pluvialis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Dimorphotheca genus. Cape Marigold is native to South Africa and Namibia. Cape Marigold is also known as White African Daisy, Rain Daisy, Calendula decurrens.

Cape Marigold displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Cape Marigold produces bright daisy-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cape Marigold every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cape Marigold thrives in full sun.

Dimorphotheca pluvialis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Cape Marigold prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cape Marigold to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape Marigold every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cape Marigold is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cape Marigold can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Cape Marigold while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Cape Marigold is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cape Marigold can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cape marigold plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cape Marigold is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cape Marigold grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Cape Marigold is native to South Africa and Namibia. In cooler regions, grow Cape Marigold as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.