MARSH MARIGOLDS 
History The genus Galtha has no- horticultural history in the 
sense that the preceding genera have, for it is no exotic. 
The Marsh Marigold of the gardener is merely a double-flowered variety 
of our native C. paZustris, which has sacrificed its sexual organs to his 
demand for a brave show, and has converted them into a dense mass of 
petals. 
_ . . , Caltha palustris (marsh) in the single state has 
Principal Species. - \ . ' . . , . 
five, six, or seven unequal, broad, golden sepals and yellow 
stamens. The leaves enlarge greatly after flowering, and their stalks 
lengthen. Sometimes the stem rises in a sub-erect manner to a height 
of 3 feet; at others it rambles along the ground. The flowers are 
2 inches across; March to May. There are several natural varieties, of 
no horticultural interest, save that one, var. guerangerii, is thought to be 
the progenitor of the double-flowered form. It differs from the type in 
its more erect habit, the smaller and more numerous flowers, and the 
remoteness of the sepals form each other when expanded. Two varieties 
of C. palustris have been introduced from North America: var. bijlora, 
shorter than the type, but with larger flowers in pairs; var. parnassi- 
folia, with longer, more oval leaves, and several flowers on each stalk, 
3 or 4 inches high. Then there is a var. purpurascens from South 
Europe, of more erect and branching habit, with purplish flower- 
stalks. 
C. LEPTOSEPALA (slender-sepaled), 1 foot, is an introduction from 
North-West America, with slender white sepals and heart-shaped leaves, 
whose margins are almost free from anything in the nature of teeth. 
Flowering in May and June. 
Under cultivation C. paZustris has branched off into two distinct 
double varieties: the dwarf nana plena, and the larger monstrosa plena. 
cultivation. No special instructions are needed for the successful 
cultivation of Caltha in any of its forms, for it is perfectly 
hardy and will do well anywhere, if liberally watered. In its wild state 
it is found in marshes, bogs, and by the sides of rivers and streams, and 
this fact suggests that it will succeed best where similar conditions 
prevail. It should at least have the dampest spot in the garden, and 
should the soil be naturally light and dry, we would advise the sinking 
of a tub, filled with soil, in the border, into which Caltha may be planted. 
By this plan, sufficient moisture may be assured to it. Propagation of the 
double varieties must be effected by dividing the roots early in the year, 
before the buds have appeared, or in summer, after the flowering is past. 
The single forms may be treated in this way also, but these may be 
raised from seed in addition. This should be sown in soil kept damp by 
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