The calendula, an old, English-cottage-garden flower, is a long-blooming addition to any modern garden. Its gold and orange flowers bloom from spring to fall on fairly drought- and heat-tolerant plants. Grow it for attracting pollinators and its sunny beauty in the garden, then save some blooms for fresh or dried floral arrangements; dried petals can be used in baking or teas. Calendula gets its common name, pot marigold, because the flower resembles a marigold, and has often been used in pots of soup or stew for both color and flavor.
Family: Asteraceae
Native: Probably the Mediterranean region
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annual; may reseed to come back following year.
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Period: Spring to frost
Plant Dimensions: 12"–24" tall and wide
Variety Info: 2"–3" bright orange and yellow, double and semi-double daisy-like flowers.
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible Flower
