How to grow Caltha

Commonly known as the Marsh Marigold or Kingscup, it is one of the first marginal plants to flower each spring. An abundance of eye-catching, golden yellow, five-petalled flowers look almost buttercup-like, appearing in profusion from March to July. Nestling together above attractive clumps of large, succulent, scalloped leaves which serve as great shelter for small wildlife which might appear around ponds and marshes. The flowers are great producers of both nectar and pollen and will attract many different insects into your garden.

Plant in a sunny spot, where it will reach a height of 25-50cm, spreading by rhizomes to around 30-45cm. Happiest with damp feet, so perfect near ponds, marshes and damp or wet areas, Caltha palustris is a fully hardy (H7), herbaceous perennial. Becoming dormant during the colder months, it will lose foliage over winter, ready to sprout with renewed vigour the following spring.