Calendula officinalis
Family: Compositae
Common names: COMMON MARIGOLD, MARIGOLD, POT MARIGOLD, RUDDLES, SCOTCH MARIGOLD
Native to: Origin Unknown
Sentiment: grief
Plant
Types: annual, perennial
Forms: clumping, erect
Max height: 2.3 feet
Max width: 1.5 feet
Flower
orange, yellow
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species
Exposure: part shade, sun
Landscape uses: container, flower fragrant
Propagates by: seed
flowers in fall
flowers in summer
Soil type: well drained
USDA Zones: zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f
Temp. range: -10 to +40 °F
Water: moderate
Butterflies that feed on this plant
Calendula, or MARIGOLD (or Pot Marigold, or Ruddles, or Scotch Marigold), is a genus in the Aster family (Compositae) with 24 species. Orange flowering Calendula officinalis is widely cultivated. Yellowish blossoms are also grown. Double flowering varieties are available, but information about the density of nectar contained in them is not well known. An image search suggests butterflies prefer the primary species. It is a 2½-foot tall perennial or annual and grows from seed in Zones 6-10. It flowers in summer and fall and prefers moderate watering. It can be grown in sun or part shade. As a late-season blossom, Calendula officinalis will attract many butterflies that feed.
Calendula officinalis can be grown in containers.
As a Compositae, those butterflies listed on the left pane, will be attracted to feed on Calendula.
Nathalis iole, DAINTY SULPHUR and Vanessa virginiensis, AMERICAN LADY in particular are attracted to this plant.
Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial
This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.
Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.
Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.
By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.
