Overview
Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem' is a bushy, spreading branched annual biennial in the genus Calendula, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.
About
Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem' is a cultivar of Calendula, a genus of annual or perennial plants with woody bases and fragrant foliage. This bushy, spreading branched annual biennial features deciduous leaves and produces prominent daisy-like flower heads in summer and autumn. It thrives in full sun or partial shade on well-drained fertile moist soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, and tolerates a range of soil pH levels. Suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patios and containers, it is hardy to UK zone H7 and is propagated by seed.
About the genus
Calendula is a genus of about 15–20 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae that are often known as marigolds. They are native to Europe, North Africa, Macaronesia, West Asia and Western Himalayas and have their center of diversity in the Mediterranean Region. Other plants known as marigolds include corn marigold, desert marigold, marsh marigold, and plants of the genus Tagetes.
Wikipedia contributors, "Calendula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calendula
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calendula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem'
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildew and a virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem'?
Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem' need?
Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem' hardy in the UK?
Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Calendula officinalis 'Lemon Gem'?
Propagate by seed.