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Annual Biennial

Calendula stellata

A highly attractive hardy annual species native to Malta and Sicily, found in rocky valleys near the coast, and currently considered endangered. It has a bushy habit with dark green foliage and bright, golden yellow, single blooms with an orange heart

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Sand
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Orange Green
Autumn Orange Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Calendula can be annuals or woody-based perennials, with simple, aromatic leaves and showy, orange or yellow, daisy-like flower-heads in summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Sicily, N. Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well drained soil in full sun. Sow direct in spring, 0.5cm deep into finely prepared soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning

Regularly deadhead to extend flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and a virus

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