Caltha Palustris - Marsh Marigold
Best low-maintenance choice for pond owners seeking vibrant seasonal color.
The Caltha Palustris, commonly known as Marsh Marigold, is a vibrant herbaceous perennial ideal for the shallow edges of ponds and water gardens. It features bright green foliage and produces stunning, vibrant yellow and white flowers. This plant is known for its fast growth rate, quickly filling in spaces along the water line. It prefers full sun for optimal blooming but benefits from partial shade during the hottest parts of the summer. Supplied as a bare root, it is an easy-to-care-for marginal plant suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7, offering reliable color to your aquatic landscape.
$12.44
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
408
/ 955
#408 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
-33%
Below average
Hardiness Zones
37
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners eager for the first signs of spring color
- Pond owners seeking low-maintenance, cold-hardy marginal plants
- Eco-conscious hobbyists looking for natural water filtration solutions
Who should skip it
- Landscapers prioritizing long-lasting floral displays throughout the summer
- Families with curious pets or small children needing safety
- Owners of small ponds worried about aggressive plant growth
Performance breakdown
Establishment Speed
Rapid growth habit fills pond edges and boggy areas with ease.
Maintenance Effort
Requires minimal intervention once established in the correct aquatic environment.
Visual Impact
Vibrant yellow and white blooms provide a striking seasonal focal point.
Climate Versatility
Reliable performance across a broad range of northern hardiness zones.
Planting Convenience
Bare root delivery simplifies the initial installation process for pond owners.
Environmental Adaptability
Flexible light requirements accommodate various pond site exposures and conditions.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zones
3-7
Mature Height
12” to 18” (30.48 cm to 45.72 cm)
Mature Spread
12” to 18” (30.48 cm to 45.72 cm)
Spacing
1 ft
Foliage Color
Green
Flower Color
Yellow & white
Packaging
Bare Root
Features
- Herbaceous perennial suitable for pond margins and boggy soil.
- Produces vibrant yellow and white flowers.
- Fast growth rate helps quickly establish the pond edge.
- Tolerates full sun to partial shade conditions.
- Easy care level for low maintenance gardening.
- Shipped as bare root for convenient planting.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Marsh Marigold upon delivery. Reviewers frequently note that the plants arrive robust, well packaged, and ready to plant, demonstrating excellent initial health. This strong start translates directly into high reliability; the plants establish quickly and reliably produce vibrant yellow blooms, often exceeding expectations for growth rate and hardiness in various pond environments. This ease of establishment makes them a highly recommended addition for water gardeners seeking dependable color.
Know before you buy
Caltha Palustris is a marginal plant, meaning it thrives in shallow water or boggy soil. Plant it so the crown is at or slightly below the water line, ideally in water no deeper than 2 to 3 inches.
Marsh Marigold is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 7. It is a perennial that will go dormant in the winter and return in the spring, provided it is planted in an area that does not freeze solid.
Plant your bare root as soon as possible after receiving it to prevent the roots from drying out. If you cannot plant it immediately, keep the roots moist and store them in a cool, shaded location.
While it prefers full sun for the most vibrant flowering, it benefits from partial shade during the peak heat of summer. This helps prevent the foliage from scorching in regions with intense afternoon sun.
This plant is known for its fast growth rate and will quickly fill in spaces along your pond edge. You can expect it to reach its mature spread of 12 to 18 inches within a single growing season under ideal conditions.
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