A marigold only in name—the plant belongs to the buttercup family—marsh marigold cheerfully illuminates wet areas with foot-tall mounds of glossy, heart-shaped foliage and sunny yellow blossoms from midspring through early summer. Call on marsh marigold when you are faced with a boggy spot because this perennial loves moist soil. It is native to marshes, swamps, stream margins, and wet meadows in Newfoundland and Alaska south to Nebraska, Tennessee, and North Carolina. The flowers attract pollinators, including hoverflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
In areas with hot summers and little sun protection, marsh marigold often goes dormant after blooming. The foliage will wither and die, but the plant will return the following spring.
Marsh marigold is toxic to humans and pets.
Marsh Marigold Overview
Where to Plant Marsh Marigold
When you select a planting location for marsh marigold, moisture is key. It can be in partial shade or full sun, however, the soil must never dry out. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best.
While marsh marigold is commonly planted in water gardens, bog gardens, along freshwater ponds or streams, it does not need a prime location. Any odd corner with moist soil is fair game. For best effect, plant marsh marigolds in groups or drifts; they will slowly form a carpet.
How and When to Plant Marsh Marigold
Plant marsh marigold in the spring so it has the entire growing season to get established. Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the nursery pot and at the same depth. Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball. Gently tamp down the soil. Water deeply after planting and continue watering until it is established.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Marsh Marigold Care Tips
If planted in a location that is naturally moist at all times, marsh marigold is very low-maintenance.
Light
Marsh marigold grows best in full sun or part shade. In Zones 6 and above this plant likes shade during the afternoon. Protection from extreme heat encourages the plant to continue blooming into summer and keeps the foliage vibrant.
Soil and Water
This wetland plant needs deep, consistently moist or boggy, rich soil, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. Periods of standing water are not a problem. When planting it in rain gardens, site it near the center of the lowest spot of the plot. The soil should never dry out; make sure to water as needed.
Temperature and Humidity
Marsh marigold is a very hardy plant that can be grown in as low as Zone 2. The ideal temperature range during the growing season is 65 to 75 degrees F. At higher temperatures, the growth is typically slowed down and the bloom is reduced. The plant does not have any particular humidity requirements.
Fertilizer
Fertilization is usually unnecessary as the plant draws sufficient nutrients from the soil. The nitrogen in a fertilizer is even harmful.
Pruning
During the growing season, remove any dead foliage or stems to improve the air flow. Other than that, there is no need to prune marsh marigold until the late winter or early spring when the old foliage should be removed to make room for new growth.
Potting and Repotting Marsh Marigold
Because of its high moisture needs, marsh marigold is not suitable to be grown in pots whose soil dries out much quicker than garden soil.
Pests and Problems
The plant is not prone to serious pests and diseases. Powdery mildew and rust may occur. The bitter taste of the leaves discourages wildlife, including deer, from eating the plants.
How to Propagate Marsh Marigold
Starting marsh marigolds from seeds is feasible but it takes the plants a few years to reach maturity and begin blooming. Dividing an existing plant yields much faster results. In spring, after the foliage emerges but before the bloom, carefully dig up the clump and divide it into smaller sections. Replant them immediately at the same depth as the original plant and water well. Regularly water the new plants until they are established.
Marsh Marigold Companion Plants
Hardy Hibiscus
Unlike tropical hibiscus, which is easily damaged by frost and excessive heat, hardy hibiscus thrives in northern climates. It is native to the marshes, swamps, and riverbanks of the southern and eastern United States. Hardy hibiscus is sure to impress with its dinner-plate-size red, pink, or white flowers in late summer. Zone 4-9
Queen of the Prairie
This North American native plant picks up the floral show in your garden when spring-blooming perennials peter out. In midsummer, cloudlike clusters of pink or white blooms rise above the ferny, toothed leaves of the queen of the prairie. Although the fluffy flower stalks look delicate, this tall, sturdy perennial will stand up to wind and a variety of tough soil conditions. Zone 3-8
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia does well in any location where the soil is consistently moist, such as around ponds, streams, and bog gardens. Lobelia cardinalis has upright 3-foot stems clothed with 3- to 4-inch-long, lance-shaped dark green leaves. Brilliant red flowers are borne in loose spires. Zones 2-8
Garden Plans For Marsh Marigold
Easy Slope Garden Plan
Filling a hillside with easy-care plants that help control soil erosion is a win-win for your yard. This slope garden plan combines taller cottage garden favorites with lower-growing plants to fill in the spaces between them. The effect is a lush, bloom-filled display that will look gorgeous from spring into fall. This plan works especially well as a border bed next to a set of steps or an inclined path.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between marsh marigold and lesser celandine?Marsh marigold, which is a native plant and not invasive, is easy to confuse with lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), a non-native and invasive look-alike. One way of distinguishing them is to look at the flowers. Most marsh marigold has only 5 petal-like sepals whereas lesser celandine has 7 to 12 yellow narrow petals. Marsh marigold blooms later in the spring than lesser celandine.
Marsh marigold, which is a native plant and not invasive, is easy to confuse with lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), a non-native and invasive look-alike. One way of distinguishing them is to look at the flowers. Most marsh marigold has only 5 petal-like sepals whereas lesser celandine has 7 to 12 yellow narrow petals. Marsh marigold blooms later in the spring than lesser celandine.
- What color is marsh marigold?The most common marigold in eastern North America is the yellow marsh marigold (Caltha palustris). Another species is white marsh marigold (Caltha leptosepala), also named western marsh marigold, indicating it is native to areas west of the Mississippi River. It has showy white flowers with yellow centers in late spring and summer.
The most common marigold in eastern North America is the yellow marsh marigold (Caltha palustris). Another species is white marsh marigold (Caltha leptosepala), also named western marsh marigold, indicating it is native to areas west of the Mississippi River. It has showy white flowers with yellow centers in late spring and summer.