Caltha palustris plena (Double marsh marigold) - Marginal Pond Plants - MP017

Caltha palustris 'Plena', commonly known as the Double Marsh Marigold, is a stunning aquatic perennial that enhances wetland gardens and pond margins with its vibrant golden-yellow, fully double flowers. This cultivated variety of the native Caltha palustris offers an even more ornamental appeal with its lush, multi-layered blooms.

The plant grows to a height of 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) and forms a dense clump of glossy, heart-shaped, deep green leaves. The foliage emerges early in the growing season and provides an attractive backdrop for the plant's dramatic floral display.

In spring, Caltha palustris 'Plena' produces an abundance of fully double, buttercup-like flowers, measuring 2.5–4 cm (1–1.5 inches) across. The flowers have numerous overlapping golden-yellow sepals, giving them a fuller and more textured appearance compared to the single-flowered species. These blooms are sterile, which means the plant focuses its energy on prolonged flowering rather than seed production, resulting in a long-lasting display.

This variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently wet, waterlogged soil, making it ideal for planting along the edges of ponds, streams, or in bog gardens. It can also tolerate shallow water depths of up to 15 cm (6 inches), making it suitable for aquatic planting schemes. Hardy in UK conditions, Caltha palustris 'Plena' is frost-resistant and thrives in a variety of soil types, including clay and loam.

Propagation is typically achieved by division in spring or autumn, as the sterile flowers prevent seed production. The plant is low-maintenance and requires minimal care beyond occasional thinning to prevent overcrowding.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, Caltha palustris 'Plena' provides habitat and shelter for aquatic wildlife. Its dense growth helps stabilise soil along water margins, reducing erosion, while its early-season blooms add a burst of colour to the landscape.

With its exquisite flowers and glossy foliage, Caltha palustris 'Plena' is a show-stopping choice for water gardens, bringing a touch of elegance and brightening wetland settings with its cheerful and long-lasting floral display.

Why Choose Caltha palustris 'Plena' (Double Marsh Marigold)?

Caltha palustris 'Plena', commonly known as Double Marsh Marigold, is an extraordinary aquatic plant that stands out with its fully double, golden-yellow flowers. This elegant cultivar of the Marsh Marigold combines vibrant beauty with the ecological benefits of a classic wetland plant, making it perfect for ponds, streams, and bog gardens.

1. Stunning Double Flowers

• Features rich, golden-yellow, double blooms that resemble small pom-poms, adding a luxurious and eye-catching element to your water garden.
• Blooms appear in early to mid-spring, brightening your garden when few other plants are in flower.

2. Ideal for Marginal Planting

• Thrives in shallow water (up to 10cm/4 inches deep) or consistently moist soil along pond edges, streams, or bog gardens.
• Performs well in both full sun and partial shade, providing flexibility for different planting locations.

3. Wildlife-Friendly

• Attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, with its nectar-rich flowers, supporting the surrounding ecosystem.
• Provides shelter for small aquatic creatures, enhancing biodiversity in your water garden.

4. Hardy and Reliable

• A tough and adaptable perennial that tolerates cold winters and seasonal water level fluctuations.
• Returns year after year with a lush display of vibrant flowers and glossy green foliage.

5. Low Maintenance

• Easy to care for and perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.
• Spreads naturally over time, creating dense clumps that can be divided for propagation or to fill in other areas of your garden.

6. Unique Aesthetic

• Its double flowers provide a unique and decorative touch that distinguishes it from the traditional Marsh Marigold.
• Pairs beautifully with other aquatic plants, like irises and reeds, to create a harmonious water garden design.

Caltha palustris 'Plena' (Double Marsh Marigold) is an elegant and hardy choice for adding vibrant color and texture to your pond or bog garden. Its exquisite blooms, easy care, and ecological benefits make it a standout addition to any aquatic landscape.