Calendula

Easy to grow and nearly problem-free, calendula is a great choice for carefree garden color throughout the fall, winter, and spring months.  Once the weather heats up, it will struggle, so don't plan on carrying it through the summer.   Also known as pot marigold, this annual herb is as ornamental as it is useful.  Calendula has many culinary and medicinal uses, ranging from skin care poultices and salves to providing a pop of tasty color in salads.  The flowers can also be used to make a textile dye.  Related to the daisy family, so people with allergies to daisies, echinacea, and related plants should use caution before using calendula.  Calendula can thrive in many soil types, and frequent removal of spent blossoms will encourage profuse blooming.