And the winner is… calendula! The National Garden Bureau has declared calendula as the Annual of the Year for 2025.
This vibrant flower is not only beautiful but also attracts a variety of beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which help control plant-destroying pests. Calendula can also act as a “trap crop” to divert harmful insects away from other plants in your garden. Additionally, it attracts pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and birds like orioles and goldfinches.
Calendula’s incredible versatility
Calendula, a member of the daisy family, is originally from the Mediterranean and thrives in zones 2-11 in the United States. It can be grown from seeds or starter plants and does well in cooler weather.
Aside from being a colorful addition to gardens, calendula has many other uses. It can be made into essential oil, used in lotions, added to salads and soups, or used as a dye. Medicinally, calendula is used to treat various conditions and its chemical compounds are being studied for potential medical applications.
With its wide range of uses and benefits, it’s no surprise that calendula was chosen as the Annual of the Year for 2025.
