Overview
Caltha palustris 'Alba' is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Caltha, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Caltha palustris 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Temp. H. Hemis..
About
Caltha palustris 'Alba' is a perennial herbaceous member of the Ranunculaceae that produces white spring flowers. It grows to roughly 0.3 m and prefers consistently wet soils. The plant suits full sun and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay substrates when moisture is high.
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 'Alba' is a white-flowering form of the marsh marigold (genus Caltha) from the temperate Northern Hemisphere and listed in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. As a compact perennial herbaceous plant it reaches around 0.3 m and flowers in the UK from March to May, offering early-season white blooms at the waterline or in damp ground. Place 'Alba' where soil remains wet and in full sun; it will also tolerate heavy clay or free-draining sandy and loamy soils so long as they stay moist. The cultivar is rated H7 for UK hardiness, meaning it is fully hardy through winter in most British gardens. Planting at the edge of ponds, in a bog garden or a permanently damp border will maintain the conditions this species needs. In garden use, Caltha palustris 'Alba' works well for pond margins, ditches, rain gardens and other wet micro-sites where early spring flowers are wanted. Being herbaceous, it dies back after the growing season, and its white cups make a distinct spring display at ground level and along water edges.
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 palustris 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Native to
- Temp. H. Hemis.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Caltha palustris 'Alba'
- Propagation
- division, seed
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Caltha palustris 'Alba'?
Caltha palustris 'Alba' prefers full sun.
What soil does Caltha palustris 'Alba' need?
Caltha palustris 'Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays wet.
How big does Caltha palustris 'Alba' grow?
Caltha palustris 'Alba' reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Caltha palustris 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Caltha palustris 'Alba' 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 'Alba'?
Division, seed.
