What soil does Marsh marigold grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Marsh marigold hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Marsh marigold flower?

Flowering: April–June, yellow.

How much water does Marsh marigold need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Marsh marigold cost?

It sells for roughly €6 to €7 in local shops, depending on size.

Marsh marigold

Caltha palustris

Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) is a perennial. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €6.

Illustration of Marsh marigold — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A perennial for pond margins, stream sides and permanently wet, boggy ground that opens glossy golden-yellow flowers in early spring above round, shiny dark green leaves. Set it in the shallow edge of a pond or in a hollow where the soil never dries out in summer; it flowers best in sun but appreciates afternoon shade in the hot months. Do not plant it in an ordinary bed that dries out, where it goes dormant by summer or dies.

Watch out for

In drier spots and in scorching sun the foliage yellows and the plant goes dormant in a hot summer; if the soil dries out completely it dies. Powdery mildew and rust can appear on the leaves in summer, and the tatty foliage can simply be cut back. Remove the withered leaves in autumn so that they do not rot into the pond.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 40 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, yellow

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	40 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	30–60 cm × 30–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–June, yellow
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €6

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €6 – €7

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Low-maintenance perennials

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