Kingcup

Kingcups (or marsh marigolds) grow wild alongside streams and in shallow water around ponds, forming loose clumps of kidney-shaped leaves, each up to 8-10cm (3-4in) across in late spring and early summer, large, shiny golden flowers like giant, waxy buttercups appear. Plants enjoy moist conditions and can be grown in planting baskets in shallow water round the edge of a pond, where they look their best when their reflections are seen in water. They also make good bog garden plants, and grow well in borders that waterlog in winter. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).