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Caltha polypetala Hochst. ex Lorent

giant marsh marigold

© RHS
Sold by 8 nurseries

  • Other common names giant marsh marigold

  • Synonyms Caltha palustris subsp. polypetala

  • Family Ranunculaceae

  • Genus Caltha are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with simple, usually heart-shaped leaves and cup-shaped yellow or white flowers in early spring

  • Details C. polypetala is a herbaceous perennial, up to 60cm high and 90cm wide, spreading by rooting stems across ground or across water. It has rounded green leaves, the basal leaves up to 10cm across, the stem leaves fewer and smaller, and shining, bright golden yellow flowers, up to 5cm across, from early spring to summer

  • Plant range Asia

Characteristics

  • Foliage Deciduous

  • Habit Clump-forming

  • Hardiness

    Hardiness ratings

    All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

    • H1a - Under glass all year (>15C)
    • H1b - Can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
    • H1c - Can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
    • H2 - Tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
    • H3 - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
    • H4 - Hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
    • H5 - Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
    • H6 - Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
    • H7 - Hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

    H7

Colour

Sunlight

  • Full Sun

  • Aspect South-facing or West-facing or East-facing

  • Exposure Exposed or Sheltered

Soil

  • Chalk

    Chalk

  • Sand

    Sand

  • Clay

    Clay

  • Loam

    Loam

  • MoisturePoorly-drained

  • SoilChalk, Sand, Clay, Loam

  • pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral

Size

  • Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres

  • Ultimate spread 0.5-1 metres

  • Time to ultimate height 2-5 years

How to grow

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

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types Low Maintenance Cottage & Informal Garden

How to care

Pruning No pruning required, though the stems may be cut back after flowering

Pests Generally pest free

Diseases May be affected by powdery mildews and rust diseases

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