Overview
Caltha leptosepala is a perennial in the genus Caltha, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Caltha leptosepala grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to W N America.
About
A perennial in the buttercup family, Caltha leptosepala produces white spring flowers suited to persistently wet ground. It grows from a basal clump to about 0.3 m tall and favours full sun. Native to western North America, it flowers in the UK from March to May. It performs on heavy or light soils provided they remain wet.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Caltha leptosepala
About the genus
Caltha is a genus of rhizomatous perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, to which ten species have been assigned. They occur in moist environments in temperate and cold regions of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Their leaves are generally heart-shaped or kidney-shaped, or are characteristically diplophyllous.
Wikipedia contributors, "Caltha", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Caltha
In the garden
Caltha leptosepala is a perennial member of the Ranunculaceae native to western North America. In cultivation it is valued for its early-season white blooms, which appear in the UK from March to May, and for its modest height of around 0.3 m. Plant it where soil stays wet and receives full sun; the species tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as moisture is constant. Its UK hardiness rating is H7 (fully hardy), and the USDA hardiness range 3–7 indicates it withstands a wide span of winter conditions in temperate gardens. Use Caltha leptosepala at the margins of ponds, in bog gardens or in any damp hollow that remains saturated through spring. Give it a sunny aspect and avoid drying-out between the roots; even on heavier clay it will persist if the site stays wet. Expect its compact spread and white spring flowers at about 0.3 m high to define a neat early-spring edge in wet garden situations.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Caltha
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Wet
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Caltha leptosepala size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Native to
- W N America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Caltha leptosepala
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Caltha leptosepala?
Caltha leptosepala prefers full sun.
What soil does Caltha leptosepala need?
Caltha leptosepala is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays wet.
How big does Caltha leptosepala grow?
Caltha leptosepala reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Caltha leptosepala hardy in the UK?
Caltha leptosepala has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Caltha leptosepala?
Division, Seed.
