Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno' (d)
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as the double marsh marigold is a perennial that boasts lush, dark green leaves with a heart-like shape and a glossy finish. Come spring, it is adorned with attractive, multi-petaled flowers that resemble little rosettes. These flowers have a golden yellow hue, providing a vibrant splash of color which contrasts beautifully with the greenery. The double-form flowers of this particular variety make it especially ornamental, as they are packed with layers of petals, giving them a fuller appearance compared to the single-petaled relatives in the species. Overall, the double marsh marigold is an eye-catching plant that brings a cheerful note to the environments it inhabits.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Double Marsh Marigold, Kingcup 'Flore Pleno', Double-Flowered Marsh Marigold.
Common names
Caltha palustris var. plena, Caltha palustris f. pleniflora.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as marsh marigold is mildly toxic to humans. If ingested, it can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes, abdominal pain, and vomiting. It may also cause skin irritation upon contact with its sap. It is important not to consume any part of the plant due to its potential toxicity.
To pets
The marsh marigold is also toxic to pets. Ingesting the plant can cause similar symptoms as in humans, such as irritation of the mouth and digestive tract, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly more severe symptoms like convulsions in extreme cases. If a pet ingests any part of this plant, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as Double Marsh Marigold, features double-flowered blooms that add a vivid splash of yellow to water margins and damp woodland settings in the spring.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers provide an important early nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects emerging in the spring.
- Improves Biodiversity: By attracting a range of insects and offering shelter, it plays a role in supporting the local ecosystem and promoting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Double Marsh Marigold is robust and easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance once established in appropriate wet or damp environments.
- Water Edge Stabilization: Planting this species along the edges of ponds and streams can help to stabilize banks and prevent erosion through its root system.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant adds seasonal interest to gardens, with its bright, showy flowers in spring and lush foliage throughout the growing season.
- Companion Planting: It serves well as a companion plant in aquatic and semi-aquatic plantings, complementing other moisture-loving plants visually and ecologically.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as double-flowered marsh marigold, can be used in floral arrangements due to its striking, multi-petaled yellow flowers, providing a bright splash of color to any bouquet.
- The plant can serve as a natural dye; the bright yellow flowers have historically been used to dye fabrics a yellow or pale green color.
- Its large leaves can be utilized in a garden as a living mulch to suppress weeds, due to their broad and dense foliage cover.
- Because it thrives in wet conditions, double-flowered marsh marigold can be planted to stabilize pond banks and slow down erosion by reducing the impact of water on the soil.
- The dense growth of the plant can provide a valuable habitat for pond-dwelling wildlife such as frogs and newts, offering them shelter and breeding grounds.
- In a water garden, double-flowered marsh marigold can be used as an ornamental margin or edge plant, creating a lush, natural border around the water feature.
- The plant's preference for wet conditions makes it ideal for creating a 'rain garden' designed to take advantage of stormwater runoff and improve water quality.
- Double-flowered marsh marigold can be used in educational settings as an example of a plant that is adapted to riparian and wetland environments, demonstrating ecosystem diversity.
- The plant has been used in nature therapy and garden therapy settings to provide a calming and engaging environment for participants, leveraging the beauty of its blossoms.
- As an early spring bloomer, it is valuable for supporting early pollinators such as bees, which rely on the flower for nectar when few other plants are in bloom.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Marsh Marigold is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Marsh Marigold is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as Double Marsh Marigold, typically blooms in early spring, symbolizing nature's cycle of renewal and rebirth.
- Innocence: The bright, lush flowers of the Double Marsh Marigold are seen as a representation of innocence and purity due to their unblemished appearance.
- Bravery: This plant often grows in marshy or wet conditions, which can symbolize bravery and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.
- Joy: The cheerful yellow flowers are associated with joy and happiness, bringing a bright spot to the landscapes after long winters.
WaterThe Marsh Marigold should be kept consistently moist, so water it regularly to maintain damp soil conditions without letting it become waterlogged. It is typically best to water deeply once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions, more often during hot, dry periods. Ensure you're checking the top inch of soil before watering—only water if the soil feels dry to the touch. Over-watering can be detrimental, so it’s important to allow for good drainage.
LightMarsh Marigolds thrive in full to partial sunlight, preferably in a spot that receives morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon. They can tolerate a range of light conditions but do best with at least 3 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid placing them in deep shade as this can impair their blooming and overall vitality.
TemperatureMarsh Marigolds are cold-hardy plants and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, surviving in conditions as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, so ensure some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in regions with hot summers.
PruningThe Marsh Marigold benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and damaged or dead foliage to encourage healthy growth and additional blooming. Pruning is typically done after the flowering season in late spring or early summer. Deadheading, or the removal of old flowers, can be done throughout the blooming period to maintain aesthetic appeal.
CleaningAs needed
SoilKingcup or Marsh Marigold's ideal soil mix is moist, rich in organic matter, and well-draining, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, simulating its natural boggy habitat.
RepottingKingcup doesn't typically require frequent repotting, it should be repotted only when it outgrows its container, about every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingKingcup thrives in high humidity environments, similar to its natural marshy conditions, not requiring any specific humidity control when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Kingcup in bright light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, keep soil moist, and protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe marsh marigold 'Flore Pleno' is a herbaceous perennial that usually emerges in early spring when soil temperatures rise. Its vegetative growth begins with the sprouting of kidney-shaped, dark green leaves from thick rhizomes. Shortly after the foliage develops, the plant produces clusters of double-flowered, golden-yellow blooms that lack true petals but instead have showy sepals, attracting early-season pollinators. Following pollination, it sets seed in rounded, green follicles that release when mature, allowing for self-sowing or the spread of seeds by water or animals. After flowering, usually by mid to late summer, the plant enters a dormancy period, with above-ground foliage dying back and growth energy conserved in the rhizomes. The plant overwinters in this dormant state before re-sprouting the following spring to complete the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Caltha palustris 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as Double Marsh Marigold, is best propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. Propagation by division should preferably take place in late fall or early spring, when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate, carefully lift the entire plant from the ground and gently tease apart clumps of crowns, making sure each division has a section of roots attached. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at before, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new plantings well to help establish them. This method is relatively simple and ensures that the offspring will be true to the parent plant, maintaining the double-flowered characteristic.
