About

Caltha palustris var. alba is a perennial that typically grows to a height of 25 cm. This species features glossy, kidney-shaped foliage and produces solitary, bowl-like blooms adorned with creamy-white petals and yellow stamens, which emerge in early spring.

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
Habit
Bushy
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. H. Hemis.

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in an open site in rich boggy soil at the water's edge in full sun
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