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Annual Biennial

Calendula officinalis apricots and oranges, mixed
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A highly attractive, compact hardy annual variety with dark green foliage and bright, apricot-orange, double flowers that last from summer into autumn. Growing to 25cm tall it is perfect for containers and hanging baskets

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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well drained soil in ful sun. Sow direct in spring, 0.5cm deep into finely prepared soil, thin to 23cm apart. For a continuous display, sow at two to three weekly intervals. Autumn sowings will flower the following year. Deadhead regularly and pinch out terminal shoots to encourage bushy growth

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in situ in Spring or Autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
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

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