About
Caltha palustris is a perennial plant that grows from rhizomes and typically reaches up to 50 cm in height. It features broad, green leaves and produces clusters of yellow flowers, each approximately 4 cm across, making it a notable presence in wetland margins.
About the genus
Caltha consists of herbaceous perennials that grow from rhizomes. They typically feature simple, often heart-shaped foliage and produce cup-like flowers in yellow or white during early spring.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Aquatic, Bogs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Temp. N. Hemis.
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open site in rich boggy soil at the water's edge in full sun. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or by division in late summer or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews may be a problem