About
Caltha polypetala Hochst. ex Lorent is a robust perennial that thrives in marginal aquatic environments, reaching heights of up to 60 cm and widths of 90 cm. This plant spreads through rooting stems, either over soil or water. It features rounded green foliage, with basal leaves measuring up to 10 cm in diameter, while the leaves along the stem are fewer and smaller. From early spring through summer, it produces bright golden yellow flowers that can grow up to 5 cm across.
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-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
- Native to
- Temp N Hemisphere
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Plant from spring to autumn in full sun, in deep, rich organic soil, at the water's edge or in shallow water up to 15cm deep; mulch annually to conserve moisture. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required, though the stems may be cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown fresh in late summer in a cold frame, making sure that the compost does not dry out, or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews and rust diseases