Overview
Caltha palustris is a clump-forming perennial herbaceous in the genus Caltha, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Caltha palustris grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include pond margins, bog gardens and woodland edges. It is native to Temp. N. Hemis..
About
Caltha palustris is a perennial herbaceous plant that favours wet ground and produces its main display early in the year. It suits full sun and tolerates a range of soils from sandy to clay so long as they remain moist. Mature plants grow to about 0.3 m. Flowering is concentrated from March to May in the UK.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Caltha palustris
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 palustris is a perennial member of the Ranunculaceae native to temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere and is adapted to seasonally waterlogged sites. It reaches roughly 0.3 m and is valued for its early-season blooms, with the principal flowering period in the UK from March to May. Plant in full sun where soil remains wet—this species performs on sandy, loamy or clay soils provided moisture is reliable. It is classed H7 for UK hardiness, i.e. fully hardy, and corresponds broadly to USDA zones 3–7 if that zone system is useful for site planning. Choose spots where water collects or at the margin of ponds, ditches or damp hollows rather than dry soil. Use Caltha palustris in groups to form a reliable early-season patch at the water’s edge or in a bog garden. Position new plants so each has space to reach about 0.3 m, and avoid planting where summer drought is likely; that particular constraint will most influence long-term success.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Caltha
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Caltha palustris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- Pond margins, bog gardens, woodland edges
- Native to
- Temp. N. Hemis.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Caltha palustris
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Caltha palustris?
Caltha palustris prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Caltha palustris need?
Caltha palustris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays wet.
How big does Caltha palustris grow?
Caltha palustris reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Caltha palustris hardy in the UK?
Caltha palustris 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 palustris?
Division, seed.
