Overview

Caltha sagittata is a clump forming aquatic in the genus Caltha, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Caltha sagittata grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.

About

Caltha sagittata is a low to medium height, rhizomatomous perennial herb with ivory (or pale yellow) hermaphrodite flowers, belonging to the Buttercup family. It grows in clusters in sunny wet places in the Andes and related mountain chains. It has a disjunct distribution concentrated in the Southern Cone of South America. It is by far the most robust of the Southern Hemisphere Caltha species (section Psychrophila), and also the one with a distribution which extends furthest North. Grow it in full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, poorly-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Caltha sagittata

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Caltha

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Poorly-drained

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Caltha sagittata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Aquatic, Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Caltha sagittata

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

Frequently asked questions