Caltha Palustris

2-3 Litre Pot

• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well drained
• Growth Rate: Average
• Flowering Period: March – April
• Hardiness: H7
• Eventual Height: 0.1 – 0.5m
• Eventual Spread: 0.1 – 0.5m

Caltha Palustris, commonly known as the ‘Marsh Marigold’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, is a beautiful and hardy perennial plant that is native to the UK and Europe. It is known for its large, bright yellow flowers that bloom in the Spring, making it a popular choice for gardeners in the UK.

This plant thrives in moist, marshy conditions and can be found in a variety of habitats, including marshes, fens, and wet meadows. It prefers full sun and can grow up to 60cm tall and wide. The Marsh Marigold is a great choice for adding a splash of colour to damp or boggy areas in the garden, and it can also be used as a natural pond or stream edge plant.

Caltha Palustris has a long history of use in traditional medicine and folklore. It is native to the UK and Europe, and has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Anglo-Saxons all used it to treat a variety of ailments, including skin conditions and respiratory issues. In the Middle Ages, the plant was believed to have magical properties and was used in rituals and spells. The flowers were also used to make a yellow dye for fabrics.

How to care for your Caltha Palustris

1. Soil:  Thrives in moist, well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay or poorly drained, you can amend it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
2. Watering: Prefers consistently moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water your plant regularly, especially during dry spells, to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist.
3. Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. It does well in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade.
4. Fertilising: Does not require much fertilisation. If you want to promote more blooms, you can apply a balanced fertiliser, such as 10-10-10, in the Spring.
5. Pruning: Does not require much pruning. However, you can cut back the foliage after it dies back to the ground in fall or early Spring to tidy up the plant.