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Annual Biennial

Calendula officinalis Fiesta Gitana Group
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

marigold Fiesta Gitana Group

A bushy annual to 30cm in height, with narrow leaves and double flowers to 4cm across, in shades of light orange and yellow, sometimes bicoloured, in summer and autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Orange Yellow Green
Autumn Orange Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a light, poor, free-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering 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
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews and a virus

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