Flower Feature: Marigold

The marigold flower is one of the most recognizable flowers around the world, known for its vibrant yellow and shades of gold that resemble the sun. The marigold genus includes 56 species and varies from annuals to perennials. Though marigolds may be known as common garden flowers, they are beautiful, significant and meaningful in the flower kingdom. Grown all over the world, many see them as common weeds, yet when stripped down to their core, their beauteous shades of gold, orange, white and yellow are like no other.

 

 

Marigolds often vary in display as many have a pompop-shaped head made up of large amounts of small-layered petals, mirroring the sun. Other marigolds in the kingdom offer a variety of shades from darker petals on the inside to a lighter petal outline in more red-orange and maroon tones.

Symbolizing the warmth of the rising sun, it is obvious why they are open for the world to see when the sun is shining on them. Marigolds are spiritual flowers signified as offerings to the gods in a variety of cultures and often used in many sacred ceremonies in Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism, to name a few. Though there are different types of marigolds, their bright yellow and red-orange tones tie them to the same basic meaning. Originally given a negative denotation due to their cultural use and meaning of grief, jealousy and cruelty, they have been linked back to a positive and optimistic representation of creativity and warmth. This species is said to have a lot of history since its name is derived from offerings to the Virgin Mary, as marigolds replaced gold coins, later inheriting the connotation of Mary’s Gold. They are also famously used in Mexico’s Day of the Dead ceremonies and are a beloved part of their traditions.

 

 

The marigold flower is a great species to have in your personal garden not only because of the color qualities they offer, but also because they act as a natural pest deterrent. They are a carefree grower, meaning they don’t require a lot of love and attention, but rather grow on their own with basic care. They can blossom in almost any soil, yet thrive the most in a well-drained soil base. They bring light, texture and love to a garden and, as an extra treat, are easy to care for.

 

 

Marigolds offer a great pop of color in wedding work and are often featured in outdoor spring and summer weddings. They work really beautifully in flower crowns, wild flower bouquets and hanging floral displays. Pairing and complementing seamlessly with other energetic colors like fuchsia, maroons, bright pinks and greenery, their color palette brings vibrancy and dimension to any wedding décor. Marigolds are often found in many wedding ceremonies of different religions and cultures. Standing alone, or paired with a complementing bloom, the marigold flower will forever bring a smile to your face with its enthusiastic, animated and spirited presentation.