Marsh marigold
Caltha palustris · Ranunculaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant marsh marigold: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Flowering
- February to May, golden-yellow flowers
- Foliage
- Deciduous, glossy green, heart-shaped
- Mature size
- 30 to 50 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Wetlands of Europe and Asia
- Soil type
- Moist, peaty, poorly drained soils
Care
Watering
Marsh marigold loves constant moisture: keep the soil always fresh to moist. In naturally marshy areas or near a pond, it gets by with groundwater. In a pot or well-drained bed, regular watering is essential, especially during hot periods.
Light exposure
Choose a sunny or partially shaded location. In full direct sun, the plant tolerates well, but soil moisture becomes critical. Partial shade is ideal for maintaining abundant flowering while protecting the foliage from drying out.
Soil and planting
Marsh marigold thrives in waterlogged, peaty or silty soils. Avoid overly dry or sandy soils. Plant it at the edge of a water feature, in a damp low-lying area or in a submerged container. Adding peat or rich compost at planting time encourages establishment.
Pruning and maintenance
No strict pruning is necessary. After flowering, you can cut back dried stems to maintain a compact shape and encourage balanced growth. Remove dead foliage in autumn.
Fertilizer
Marsh marigold doesn't need fertilizer if the soil is rich in organic matter. A generous application of well-decomposed compost in spring is plenty. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
Very robust, marsh marigold is rarely diseased. Powdery mildew may occasionally appear in cases of prolonged poor air circulation. Ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid excessive humidity in the late afternoon.
Did you know?
Marsh marigold, once called 'water buttercup,' was traditionally gathered on the first of May in the Alps, a time when its golden flowers symbolized the arrival of summer and the blessing of harvests. In folk herbal medicine, this plant of the Ranunculaceae family was reputed for its properties, although its sap is slightly irritating: all the more reason to observe it with respect rather than harvest it indiscriminately.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.