Calendula suffruticosa subsp. maritima
An attractive perennial endemic to Western Sicily, where it grows in rocky coastal sites and sand dunes. It has a woody base and fleshy green leaves with a pungent scent and short, daisy-like, yellow flowers that appear between April and June but can be found in autumn and winter in mild climates. It grows to 20-40cm tall. Noted as critically endangered
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well drained soil in full sun. Sow direct in summer, 0.5cm deep into finely prepared soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in situ between July and August
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning
Regularly deadhead to extend flowering. Cut back to ground level after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and a virus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.