Calendula officinalis Pygmy Buff

Calendula officinalis 'Pygmy Buff' is a recent variety of Marigold awarded at the Fleuroselect competition for its unique colour: the reverse side of its petals is a beautiful buff copper and its large double flower unfolds to reveal the inner side of its petals in a creamy apricot colour, around a lovely brown or almost black centre. This annual brings softness and uniqueness to sunny borders and bouquets. Easy to grow in ordinary soil, it should be sown in March-April for a long flowering period from May to the first frost.

Calendula officinalis 'Pygmy Buff' is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, with characteristic flowers in the shape of a daisy. It has an upright, slightly spreading habit, and its branching stems are brittle, giving it a bushy appearance. At full maturity, this 'Pygmy Buff' variety reaches a height of 45 cm (18in) during flowering and spreads over 30 cm (12in). Its lanceolate leaves are velvety and release a very aromatic fragrance when crushed. Their bright green colour contrasts with the pastel flowers of the plant, in shades of copper, buff, apricot, and cream, with a dark yellow centre. Flowering begins in May and continues regularly until the first frost, attracting many pollinating insects. Each head measures approximately 6 cm (2in) in diameter and is composed of a centre of fertile florets surrounded by numerous long 'petals'. These 'petals' are actually ligulate flowers grouped in a crown. This crown opens when exposed to the sun and closes at night or in cloudy weather. The seeds of Calendula officinalis 'Pygmy Buff' easily spread in different ways: by wind, by falling to the ground and sticking to clothes and animal hair, as they have small claws. They self-seed and their germination is not hindered by cold temperatures. Seedlings adapt to various types of soil, provided they receive sun exposure for a good part of the day.

Calendula 'Pygmy Buff' has very beautiful colours, distinguished and rare in the garden, which are enjoyable to combine with the blue of love-in-a-mist, the purple of lavenders, but also with Cosmos, Poppies, and Alliums. This Marigold can be planted in borders and containers, as a single plant or in groups. It pairs beautifully with the wide range of colors of small dahlias in the company of the golden hues of grasses, which perfectly complement its copper colour. Calendula is also an edible flower, to be enjoyed in moderation, and can be used in salads, soups, and desserts. Some say its flavour resembles that of pepper.

Listed in gardens since the 12th century, Calendula officinalis has virtues that are exploited in many fields. It is first and foremost a dye plant, used as a pigment. It is also used in cosmetics, pharmacology, and homeopathy for its soothing, astringent, healing, anti-inflammatory, and hepatic properties, among others. Finally, its nickname of False Saffron comes from its culinary use. Calendula can replace this spice by colouring rice dishes, as well as stews, soups, and herbal teas. When raw, it adds fragrance to cheeses, salads, and even butter. Moreover, it has long been established in vegetable gardens as an ally to other edible plants, as it repels nematodes and attracts many pollinating insects.