One of the most popular plants for bogs or the shallow margins of water gardens, marsh marigold is a native plant that grows about 18 inches tall with shiny, heart-shaped foliage and sunny 2-inch flowers in spring. After blooming, the plants go dormant and the foliage browns and disappears. They're a good choice for water gardens, bog gardens, and damp spots near streams or pond.

5 to 10

Boggy soil or shallow water. Full sun to part shade.

Plant directly in very wet soil. If planting in a pond, plant in pots or plastic baskets in heavy clay soil. Mulch pot with gravel to better hold in soil.

Trim off spent flowers and decaying foliage throughout the growing season. If planted in a water garden, some winter assistance may be needed. Where temperatures dip below freezing but stay above 20 degrees F, be sure a fountain is kept running to prevent serious freezing. In colder regions, use an electric pond heater. Or simply replant new plants in spring.