Calendula officinalis

Ruddles, Scotch Marigold, Pot Marigold, English Marigold, Garden Marigold

Message of the Flower

Perseverance

The Mother’s Comment

The decision to go to the very end.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

The most essential quality is perseverance, endurance, and a… what shall I call it?– a kind of inner good humour which helps you not to get discouraged, not to become sad, and to face all difficulties with a smile. There is an English word which expresses this very well—cheerfulness. If you can keep this within you, you fight much better, resist much better, in the light, these bad influences which try to hinder you from progressing.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1956: 18 January 1956

It is by persevering that one conquers difficulties, not by running away from them. One who perseveres is sure to triumph. Victory goes to the most enduring.

The Mother, Words of the Mother - II: Perseverance

Perseverance is patience in action.

The Mother, Words of the Mother - II: Perseverance

Colour

Yellow or orange, dark brown

Family

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Cultivars

Includes 'Pacific Beauty', 'Bon Bon', 'Orange King', and many others with variations in flower color and size.

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Typically 4-7 cm in diameter.

Flower Texture

Slightly velvety.

Number of Petals

The outer ray florets resemble petals; number varies in cultivars.

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Mildly aromatic, with a distinctive spicy scent.

Leaf Texture

Slightly hairy, somewhat sticky.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Light to medium green.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Herbaceous annual or perennial in warmer climates.

Life Cycle

Generally grown as an annual; can be a short-lived perennial in warmer climates.

Blooming Period

Spring through fall; can bloom year-round in mild climates.

Climate

Temperate to subtropical.

Water Requirements

Moderate; prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some drought.

Soil Type

Adaptable to various soil types but flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil.

Temperature Ranges

Grows best in cooler temperatures but can tolerate a wide range.

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases; pests include aphids and whiteflies.

Pollinators

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Habitat

Originated in the Mediterranean region but now widely cultivated worldwide.

Role in the Ecosystem

Attracts pollinators; used in companion planting for pest control.

Ornamental

Widely grown in gardens for its colorful flowers and as a cut flower.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Natural dye for fabrics, cosmetics (creams, oils), and herbal teas.

Endangered Status

Not endangered; widely cultivated.