Tuesday

Magnificent Tree Marigold Tithonia Tithonia diversifolia

 

Tithonia diversifolia, also known as Bolivian Sunflower, Tree Marigold and Mexican Sunflower is a wonderful perennial subtropical plant - resilient and adaptable, very showy and unusual, unbelievably fast growing, comes back every year. Zone 8-10. This species grows fast and large and needs plenty of space in the landscape. Plants can easily grow to 12 feet tall and wide in a single year. The bright yellow to orange, 6-inch diameter flowers can appear anytime there is active growth, but bloom production peaks in late summer and fall. There is a slight, pleasant fragrance, highly attractive to bees and butterflies. They need a full sun location for best flower production, but the plants will also tolerate some shade. Also suitable for container culture in colder climates if pruned regularly.
Tithonia diversifolia enriches the soil and can be used as a green fertilizer, it has the ability to restore phosphorus in high amounts to the soil. As a green fertilizer it contains N - 1.76% P - 0.82% K - 3.92%. It can also be used as chicken feed, fuelwood, soil erosion control, and building materials. For fertilization, it is used as a mulch which can be spread on top of the soil or buried beneath it.

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