Alphabetical Plant Listing

Caltha polypetala (Giant Marsh Marigold)

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


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.

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 7
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Caltha - Marsh Marigolds
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" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Southeast, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

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By Przemyslaw Muszynski, Shutterstock

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.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 7
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Caltha - Marsh Marigolds
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" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Southeast, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

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