Caltha palustris
Overview
Uses: Rain gardens, pond edges, wet borders, bog gardens, naturalized plantings, pollinator gardens.
Benefits: Marsh Marigold delivers one of the earliest splashes of clear yellow in wet garden spaces. Its glossy foliage and cheerful spring flowers bring strong seasonal interest to soils that stay consistently moist, and it naturalizes well along water features and in boggy ground.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Sun/Shade
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Clumping, Mounding — hollow branching stems rise above a low mound of glossy leaves
Bloom Color: Yellow
Mature Height: 12–18 inches
Mature Width: 12–18 inches
Bloom Season: Spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Marsh Marigold announces spring with bright yellow blooms that shine in places where the soil stays wet and cool. While many perennials are just waking up, this native wildflower is already in full display — glossy, buttercup-like flowers rising on hollow stems above mounds of rich green, kidney-shaped leaves. It is an especially satisfying plant for rain gardens, stream edges, and pond margins because it brings real flower color long before the summer perennials get going.
The rounded, glossy foliage keeps the plant attractive well after bloom and blends naturally with other moisture-loving natives like Cinnamon Fern, Blue Flag Iris, and cardinal flower. In hotter or drier summer conditions, Marsh Marigold may ease into dormancy — a natural rhythm that makes it especially well-suited to sites that stay reliably damp through the season. Where conditions are ideal, it forms slowly expanding colonies that give wet garden spaces an established, natural feel.
Early-season pollinators — including bees, syrphid flies, and small butterflies — rely on Marsh Marigold as one of the first significant nectar sources each spring. Deer and rabbits leave it alone, and it has no serious pest or disease issues in garden settings.
Care
Marsh Marigold Care
Plant Marsh Marigold in full sun to light shade in rich soil that remains evenly moist to wet. It is well suited to pond margins, boggy borders, and rain gardens where the root zone does not dry out. In full sun, consistent moisture is essential; in partial shade, it is somewhat more forgiving.
Soil should be humus-rich, heavy, and moisture-retentive. Clay and loamy soils that hold water work well. Amending with compost at planting helps, but this is not a plant for sandy or well-drained sites unless irrigation is constant.
Water regularly during establishment and whenever natural moisture is lacking. Once established in a suitable wet site, supplemental watering is typically unnecessary. If the site dries out in summer, the plant may go dormant early — this is normal and not a sign of decline.
A light spring application of slow release fertilizer is optional. Remove spent foliage after it fades back, and divide established clumps in early spring or fall if they become crowded.
Size
What Size is the Marsh Marigold for Sale Online?
Our Marsh Marigold ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Marsh Marigold Grow?
Marsh Marigold typically reaches about 12 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, forming a neat clump that reads clearly at the front of wet borders and pond-side plantings.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
Common names for this plant include:
- Marsh marigold
- Kingcup
- Cowslip
Is Marsh Marigold native to North America?
Yes. Marsh Marigold is a true North American native that fits naturally into wetland-inspired plantings and habitat gardens. You can find more regionally adapted options in our Native Plants of North America collection.
Where is Marsh Marigold best planted?
It is best planted where the soil stays consistently moist, such as rain gardens, boggy borders, stream banks, and pond edges. It also works well in low spots in the landscape that collect water naturally. Browse more options in our perennials collection.
Does Marsh Marigold go dormant?
It can go summer dormant in hot or drying conditions after its spring bloom cycle, especially if the site loses moisture. In reliably wet locations, the foliage usually stays attractive longer. Plan companion plantings of later-emerging perennials to fill any gaps left by dormancy.
