Marigold vs Sedum (Stonecrop)

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

Marigold

Tagetes spp.

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum spp.

Crassulaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Marigold (Zones 2-11)

Sedum (Stonecrop) (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Marigold	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Tagetes spp.	Sedum spp.
Family	Asteraceae	Crassulaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	2'	6"
Spread	1'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow, Orange, Red	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Americas	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Marigold

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Marigold

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

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View MarigoldProfile →View Sedum (Stonecrop)Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Marigold and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Marigold grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

Do Marigold and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Marigold needs full sun and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Marigold or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Marigold grows taller at 2' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Marigold spreads 1' while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Marigold and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Marigold or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Marigold and Sedum (Stonecrop) 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	Marigold	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Tagetes spp.	Sedum spp.
Family	Asteraceae	Crassulaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	2'	6"
Spread	1'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow, Orange, Red	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Americas	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Marigold

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

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Marigold and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Marigold grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

Do Marigold and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Marigold needs full sun and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Marigold or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Marigold grows taller at 2' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Marigold spreads 1' while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Marigold and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Marigold or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

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