Ranunculus

The History of the Ranunculus

More commonly referred to as buttercups, ranunculus is a genus of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family. Its name is derived from the Latin terms rana and unculus which translate to little frog. The ranunculus was most likely named this because of its tendency to grow alongside streams in a plentiful manner.

Of the many types of ranunculus available, the most sought after is the Persian buttercup. This variety is also referred to as R. asiaticus, and is known as the florist’s bloom for its ruffled and vibrantly colored petals coming in all sorts of beautiful hues—pink, purple, orange, yellow, and red, to name a few!

This variety usually will have flappy, globe-like flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer and can reach up to two feet tall!

The Persian ranunculus is native to central Asia but is now widely grown throughout the world, particularly in regions with more temperate climates.

Since we are talking about quite a vast genus, some of the blooms are perennials, while others are annual or even aquatic. Yes, aquatic! Some varieties are commonly found in grassy meadows and woodland areas throughout the United States. To name a few—R. aconitifolius with saucer-shaped flowers, R. lyallii with huge white flowers and lily pad-like leaves, and the R. acris or double meadow buttercup that tends to be weedy and invasive. [2]

Unless you’re living in sunny California, you probably don’t see too many ranunculi growing in your neighbors garden. You are probably used to seeing them in your local florist’s cooler though!

But if you are a long-time admirer of these beautiful blooms—growing them yourself can be easier than you’d think!

Although they are considered a frost-tender tuber, they can be grown as an annual in most climates. The bulbs are also generally inexpensive and widely available at many nurseries!

There are two strains of R. asiaticus that are commonly cultivated for planting in home gardens. Both have cup-shaped flowers that look like a hybrid of a peony and a tea-rose, with plentiful layers of papery petals.

1. Giant Tecolote produces large double-flowered blooms up to 6 inches wide on stems as tall as 2 feet. It comes in almost every color except for blue.
2. Bloomingdale is a dwarf variety that produces the same lush petal-packed blooms but on shorted, sturdier stems about 8-10 inches high.

When to plant:

In areas where temperatures don’t drop below 10 degrees F, like the West Coast, and in the South, ranunculus can be planted outdoors in the fall with minimal protection.

In colder areas where temperatures dip well below freezing, wait to plant in late winter or early spring when you are sure the ground won’t freeze, or start them indoors.

Where to plant: Like most tubers, ranunculus can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions as long as you give them full sun, sufficient moisture, and soil with good drainage. The one environment they can’t tolerate is warm and overly wet, which can ultimately lead to rotting.

Water & fertilizer:

Once your plants begin growing, water them adequately but don’t allow the soil to become soggy. If you are growing your ranunculus as an annual, fertilization isn’t necessary. [4]

Ranunculus temperament after cutting is quite similar to that of a peony—be sure to handle them with care as they can be quite delicate!

Steps for Caring for Your Cut Ranunculus:

• Remove all of the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, making sure there is no foliage touching the water—this will aid in preventing unwanted bacteria growth.
• Cut at least a half-inch to one inch off the base of the stem before placing them in water.
• Pro Tip: If you are using ranunculus for an event, keeping them in a cooler once they’ve reached an ideal stage will help keep them fresh for use!
• Be sure they get enough water, particularly after initial processing (if your ranunculus begins to droop, it’s likely they are not getting enough water). [5]