Calendula

Calendula is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family. Depending on species and selection, members range from annual herbs to woody-based perennials; common garden calendulas are usually low, bushy plants with aromatic foliage and daisy-like single or double flowers in orange, yellow, cream, or related shades. The Royal Horticultural Society describes calendulas as easy to grow, flowering from summer into early autumn, and useful in borders, containers, and cut-flower arrangements. These genus-level traits describe variation and should not be read as a cultivar-specific size or hardiness claim. ## Growing conditions For common garden calendulas, choose sun or light shade and ordinary soil that drains well. RHS notes that very wet, overly fertile soil can lead to poor growth, while deep shade prevents flowering. Flowering season, mature size, and persistence vary across the genus, so use species or cultivar information when selecting a particular plant. Sources: [RHS Calendula genus guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/calendula?type=0), [Kew Plants of the World Online: Calendula](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30120329-2/general-information). ## Maintenance Match watering and seasonal care to the species and local conditions. For annual garden forms, remove spent flowers if you want to limit self-seeding or encourage a tidier display.