Holly vs Marigold

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Holly

Ilex opaca

Aquifoliaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Marigold

Tagetes spp.

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Holly (Zones 5-9)

Marigold (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Holly	Marigold
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Tagetes spp.
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Asteraceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	40'	2'
Spread	20'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	White	Yellow, Orange, Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Americas
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Holly

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Marigold

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Holly

✓Need both male and female plants for berries.
✓One male can pollinate 6-8 females.
✓Prune in winter for holiday decorations.
✓Tolerates heavy shading.

Marigold

✓Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom.
✓Roots exude substances that repel nematodes — excellent companion plant for vegetables.
✓Direct sow or transplant.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Holly if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Choose Marigold if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View HollyProfile →View MarigoldProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Marigold grow in the same hardiness zone?

Holly grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Marigold grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Holly and Marigold have the same sun and water needs?

Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Marigold needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Holly or Marigold?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Marigold at 2'. Holly spreads 20' while Marigold spreads 1'.

Are Holly and Marigold deer resistant?

Yes, both Holly and Marigold are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Marigold?

Both Holly and Marigold have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Holly	Marigold
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Tagetes spp.
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Asteraceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	40'	2'
Spread	20'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	White	Yellow, Orange, Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Americas
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Holly

✓Need both male and female plants for berries.
✓One male can pollinate 6-8 females.
✓Prune in winter for holiday decorations.
✓Tolerates heavy shading.

Marigold

✓Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom.
✓Roots exude substances that repel nematodes — excellent companion plant for vegetables.
✓Direct sow or transplant.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Holly if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Choose Marigold if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Marigold grow in the same hardiness zone?

Holly grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Marigold grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Holly and Marigold have the same sun and water needs?

Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Marigold needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Holly or Marigold?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Marigold at 2'. Holly spreads 20' while Marigold spreads 1'.

Are Holly and Marigold deer resistant?

Yes, both Holly and Marigold are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Marigold?

Both Holly and Marigold have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.