About
Caltha palustris var. palustris 'Plena' is a robust perennial that thrives at the edges of water bodies, reaching heights of up to 60 cm. It features creeping rhizomes and broad, rounded leaves that are a rich green. In spring, it produces fully double flowers that can measure up to 8 cm in diameter, showcasing a deep yellow hue on upright, branched stems.
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
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Toxicity
- Leaves are poisonous if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
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 division in late summer or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews may be a problem