Caltha
Kingcup
- Height × spread
- 0.3m – 0.6m × 0.35m – 0.75m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 10 species of marsh marigold which are found growing over a wide area in the temperate parts of the world. They are generally appreciated for their lush growth habit and richly coloured flowers, generally in yellow shades though there are one or two white forms, as well as a few double flowered varieties. They enjoy moist or boggy positions and Caltha natans is somewhat like a water lily (it grows beneath the water and the leaves and early spring flowers float on the surface). Caltha palustris is probably the best known and there are a good range of cultivars available.
- Flower colour
- White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.3m – 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.35m – 0.75m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Water garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Water depth
- Varieties differ
- Use for
- Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Feed with aquatic plant food
As the plant is grown in water, feed with an aquatic feed as directed on the packet. Do not exceed the amounts given as this can affect the water.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Feed & mulch some rose varieties differently
To keep roses healthy and produce more flowers, feed during the growing season before and after flowering. Roses in containers should be fed more often than those planted in the ground, every two weeks from mid spring to late summer. Adding a mulch around the base of a rose will trap moisture and enrich the soil as it biodegrades.
Found in
More Caltha
Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno'
Marsh marigold, Mayflower, Molly blobs, Water cowslip
Caltha palustris
Marsh marigold, Mayflower, Molly blobs, Water cowslip
Caltha palustris var. alba
Marsh marigold, Mayflower, Molly blobs, Water cowslip
Caltha polypetala
Kingcup, Marsh marigold, Himalayan marsh marigold
Caltha leptosepala
Mountain marigold