Marsh Marigold

Caltha palustris

American Beauties®

Native Marsh Marigold Thrives in Wet Sites Where Most Plants Fail
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 1 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms in Early Spring
Native, Pollinator-Friendly Perennial

$34⁸⁸

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: These golden beauties thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light for the most prolific blooming. They will tolerate partial shade, but you will notice fewer flowers and a more leggy growth habit in deeper shade.
Soil: Think of the ideal spot as a permanently soggy area where other plants might struggle with "wet feet." They love rich, mucky soil high in organic matter; if you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost to help retain that essential moisture.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, you must keep the soil constantly saturated to help the root system anchor itself. Once established, Marsh Marigolds are exceptionally thirsty and should never be allowed to dry out, as even a brief dry spell can trigger early dormancy. If the soil becomes dry, the foliage will wilt and yellow prematurely to protect the crown.

Pruning Tips

Because these perennials bloom on old wood (growth from the previous season), avoid cutting them back in the fall or early spring. Instead, wait until the flowers fade in late spring to remove spent stems or any tattered leaves. This "clean up" helps the plant focus energy back into the roots for next year's display rather than producing seeds.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as new green growth appears to fuel the intense blooming period. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that cannot survive the winter freeze. A single application of an organic compost tea or a standard 10-10-10 formula is usually all these efficient feeders need.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Wet Soils, Clay Tolerant, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Caltha palustris
Species	palustris
Class	Ranunculales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and spread of Marsh Marigold?

Marsh Marigold reaches 12-18 inches tall and forms a compact mounding habit. These hardy perennials spread gradually through their root system in zones 3-7. Give them adequate spacing of 12-15 inches apart to allow for their natural clumping growth pattern.

Does Marsh Marigold require wet or boggy soil to thrive?

Marsh Marigold thrives in consistently moist to wet soil and tolerates boggy conditions easily. This native perennial naturally inhabits marshy sites but requires well-drained, organically rich soil for best results. Plant it where gutters drain or in rain gardens for optimal growth - available at naturehills.com.

Can Marsh Marigold tolerate standing water or flooding?

Marsh Marigold thrives in wet, boggy conditions and easily tolerates occasional flooding since it's a native wetland plant. These hardy perennials naturally inhabit marshy sites in zones 3-7. Plant them in rain gardens, pond edges, or drainage areas where water collects.

Is Marsh Marigold deer-resistant or toxic to animals?

Marsh Marigold contains toxic compounds that make it unpalatable to deer and other grazing animals. All parts of this buttercup family member are poisonous if ingested by pets or livestock. Plant it confidently in zones 3-7 for natural deer protection in your wet garden areas.

What shipping options are available for Marsh Marigold plants, and when do you ship?

Marsh Marigold ships during optimal planting seasons for zones 3-7. Nature Hills offers multiple shipping options with timing based on your location's last frost date. Check naturehills.com for current availability and delivery schedules in your area.

Can Marsh Marigold be grown in containers or as a groundcover?

Marsh Marigold works well in moisture-controlled containers and water gardens where consistent wetness can be maintained. As a 12-18" tall mounding perennial, it's better suited for accent planting than traditional groundcover use. Choose containers with good drainage but plan to water frequently, as these plants must never dry out.

Marsh Marigold

Caltha palustris