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Annual Biennial

Calendula officinalis 'Daisy May' (Daisy Series)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

marigold 'Daisy May'

A compact, bushy annual to around 25cm tall with aromatic, lance-shaped leaves and plentiful orange, daisy-like flowerheads borne over a long season

Synonyms
Calendula officinalis 'Orange Daisy'

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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 Green
Autumn Orange 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 to moderately fertile, free-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and pinch out terminal shoots to encourage bushy growth. Good for cut flowers

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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Deadhead regularly; cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews and a virus

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