Kingcups (or marsh marigolds), Caltha palustris, grow wild alongside streams and in shallow water around ponds, forming loose clumps of kidney-shaped leaves, each up to 8-10cm across. In late spring and early summer, large, shiny golden flowers like giant, waxy buttercups appear. These are attractive to a wide range of pollinators. It makes a striking plant for the edge of a large garden pond. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Grow Caltha palustris in planting baskets in shallow water round the edge of a pond. It also makes a good bog garden plant, and grows well in borders that become waterlogged in winter.
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Caltha and wildlife
Caltha is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
