Clavel De Muerto
Tithonia rotundifolia
- Native to:
- Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Tithonia
- Species:
- Tithonia rotundifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- TIRO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- orange, red-orange
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Brown-belted bumble (Bombus griseocollis), Southern plains bumble bee (Bombus fraternus) Butterflies:Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), Julia butterfly (Dione vanillae), ⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in nutrient-rich environments
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 7–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil (21-27°C) with consistent moisture; no pretreatment needed.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).