Pot Marigold 'Pink Surprise' (Calendula officinalis 'Pink Surprise'): Unique Pink-Blushed Calendula for Cool-Season Color

Overview

Pot marigold 'Pink Surprise' (Calendula officinalis 'Pink Surprise') is a unique cultivar with soft pink to apricot-pink flowers, often with a darker pink reverse, instead of the typical orange or yellow. It grows 12-18 inches tall with the same sticky, aromatic foliage. Blooms heavily in cool weather.

Botanical Details

• Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
• Genus: Calendula
• Species: officinalis
• Cultivar: 'Pink Surprise'
• Synonym: Calendula officinalis var. prolifera

Culture & Uses

Full sun, well-drained soil. Cool-season annual; plant in early spring or fall. Deadhead for continuous bloom. Petals edible—add to salads, rice, baked goods. Medicinal: skin-healing (salves, creams). Self-sows. Beautiful in cottage gardens, containers, cutting gardens. A conversation piece for its unusual color.