Calendula stellata

RHS Plant Profile
Sicilian marigold

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Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Sand, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Sand Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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