Overview
Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' is a perennial in the genus Caltha, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Europe, Asia and North America.
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 'Flore Pleno' is a herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae, native to temperate parts of Europe, Asia and North America. The cultivar name marks its horticultural identity while the species' habits make it suitable where soil remains reliably wet. Plants are compact, reaching roughly 0.3 m in height and are valued for producing their blooms early in the year. Plant into a sunny site; full sun suits this cultivar and it will also take bright, open conditions that do not dry out. It tolerates a broad range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they stay wet rather than free-draining. In the UK it is H7 hardy, so it can remain outdoors through winter without special protection; the equivalent USDA range is 3–7. Use Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' where moisture is persistent: alongside stream and pond edges, in damp hollows of borders or in a bog garden setting. It occupies a low tier in planting schemes, so position it in front of taller moisture-loving perennials. Expect its flowering in the UK between March and May, making it one of the earlier perennials to mark the wet parts of the garden calendar.
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 'Flore Pleno' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Native to
- Europe, Asia, North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno'
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno'?
Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' prefers full sun.
What soil does Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' need?
Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' 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 'Flore Pleno' grow?
Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' hardy in the UK?
Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' 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 'Flore Pleno'?
Division, Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Caltha genus
- Caltha leptosepalawhite-flowered marsh marigold
- Caltha minorKingcup
- Caltha palustrismarsh marigold
- Caltha palustris 'Alba'white marsh marigold
- Caltha palustris 'Multiplex'Double Marsh Marigold
- Caltha polypetalagiant marsh marigold
