About
Calendula officinalis 'Snow Princess' is a robust, bushy annual or biennial that forms a dense mound. Its foliage consists of fragrant, somewhat sticky dark green leaves shaped like spoons or lance heads. The semi-double flowers, measuring up to 7.5 cm in diameter, display a creamy lemon hue on their upper petals, while the undersides are a vibrant butter yellow, featuring a dark brownish-yellow center. Blooming from May through September, these flowers are not only edible but also suitable for cutting.
About the genus
Calendula comprises either annuals or perennials with woody bases. They feature straightforward, fragrant foliage and prominent flower heads resembling daisies, which bloom in shades of orange or yellow during the summer and autumn months.
Growing conditions
- 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
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Thrives in moist, well-drained poor to moderately fertile soil. Easily grown from seed sown in situ or in seed trays in late spring or early autumn. Plant out 30cm apart. Flowers approximately ten weeks after sowing.
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back after flowering or remove.
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildew and a virus