Marigolds, which have their origin in the Mediterranean, are easy-to-grow hardy annuals, which seed very readily and once grown are even difficult to eradicate, appearing year after year in the same spot. In Arriyadh, they make a popular garden plant, and have often been used for winter colour on roadsides. A bushy plant with bright-green leaves, which are oblong, fleshy and have a spicy fragrance, they grow from 30 to 60 cm high and bear showy, daisy-like flowers up to 7 cm across, usually yellow or orange, often double. Propagated by seed, they are tolerant of poor soil, as long as it is moist but well-drained. Planted in full sun, they need regular watering until established, and are best when given only little water after that. In the summer, they will become scorched by the sun and need renewing for a winter display: it must be said that they are not particularly hardy to frosts. Prone to attacks by aphids, occasional deadheading will improve their appearance in the garden. Apart from their landscape value as a pot plant, in gardens and winter colour in public spaces, they have no great landscape value.