Pot marigold

Calendula officinalis

Pot marigold is an annual for edging, mid-border, suited to full sun to partial shade and loam, sandy soil or chalk, flowering Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Where to use it in a border

At around 45 cm, it sits best along the front edge, where a low, spreading habit reads best. Give it about 30 cm of room to spread, roughly 3 to the metre when planted in a drift. It is hardy across USDA zones 2a to 11b and rated H4 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.

It appears in our lists of full sun, sandy soil, chalk soil, pollinator-friendly plants, pet-safe plants.

Border Builder uses Pot marigold's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.

Flowering through the year

Worth knowing

• Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.

Good companions

Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:

• Mexican Fleabaneto edge in front
• Rosemaryfor height behind it
• Thriftto edge in front
• Catmintto edge in front
• Creeping Thyme 'Coccineus'to edge in front
• Drumstick Alliumas a partner at the same level

Garden styles

Cottage garden Mediterranean Wildlife garden