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Caltha polypetala (Giant Marsh Marigold)

Giant Marsh Marigold, Great Marsh Marigold, Caltha palustris subsp. polypetala

Caltha polypetala, Giant Marsh Marigold, Caltha palustris subsp. polypetala, Yellow Flowers, Pond Flowers

Resembling giant buttercups, Caltha polypetala (Giant Marsh Marigold) is a herbaceous perennial prized for its clusters of large, brilliant golden flowers, up to 2 in. (5 cm). They boast up to 40 showy stamens in their center. Blooming from early spring to summer, they are held well above the foliage of long-stalked, rounded green leaves which tend to get smaller as they progress up the stem. A harbinger of spring, Giant Marsh Marigold is one of the earliest to bloom, kicking off the growing season with colorful blooms.

  • Grows up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm)
  • Thrives in full sun in deep, rich organic soil, at the water’s edge, or in shallow water up to 6 in. (15cm) deep. Mulch annually to conserve moisture.
  • Low maintenance, this perennial plant is generally pest free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews and rust diseases. Deer resistant.
  • No pruning is required, though the stems may be cut back after flowering
  • 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.
  • Native of Northern Europe and the Pacific Northwest from Oregon, up the coast, and to Alaska.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Caltha
Common names Marsh Marigold
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, Pacific Northwest, Southeast, Alaska, Northeast, Midwest, California, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold)
Caltha leptosepala (Western Marsh Marigold)

Recommended Companion Plants

Fritillaria meleagris (Checkered Lily)
Carex elata ‘Aurea’ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge)
Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone)
Iris laevigata ‘Variegata’ (Water Iris)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Caltha
Common names Marsh Marigold
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, Pacific Northwest, Southeast, Alaska, Northeast, Midwest, California, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Caltha to pick?
Compare Now

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