Ranunculus, commonly called the “Persian Buttercup” is a Pinterest star, and with its flower symbolism rooted in love, and brilliantly coloured blooms, it remains a favourite for weddings and other special occasions. From an early ingredient in folk medicine, ranunculus has now become a regular member of high-end flower shops and plant nurseries around the world.

What colours does Ranunculus come in?

Today’s modern ranunculus sport voluminous, single or double blooms up to 5cm in diameter, and their brilliantly-coloured, crepe-like, paper-thin petals come in shades of purple, red, gold, orange, yellow, cream, white, and pink to delicate rose pink.

How big does Ranunculus grow?

Ranunculus stems typically grow to 30cm in height and feature lush foliage with alternate, fern-like leaves.

What does the name Ranunculus mean?

Translated from Latin, Ranunculus means ‘little frog’ and many people believe it was given this name because in its home in southwestern Asia where it was first discovered, wild Ranunculus grows abundantly on the banks of marshy streams which are also home to an abundance of little frogs.

Which plants belong to the Ranunculaceae family?

The Ranunculaceae, or the Buttercup or Crowfoot family consists of over 2 000 known species of flowering plants in 43 genera, with a worldwide distribution. The largest genera are Ranunculus with over 600 species; Delphinium or Pronkridderspoor with 365 species; Thalictrum or Meadow Rue with 330 species; Clematis or Traveller's Joy with 380 species; and Aconitum, also known as aconite, monkshood, wolfsbane, or blue rocket, with 300 species.

Where does Ranunculus originate?

Wild forms of Ranunculus originate from the wetland areas of Northwest Africa, Europe and Asia. Most of the garden cultivars we plant toady are derived from the Persian Buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus).

Click here to see Google Images of wild forms of Ranunculus asiaticus

In South Africa we have our very own Wild Buttercup (Ranunculus multifidus) which has many common names, including: wild buttercup, African buttercup, botterblom, brandblare, kankerblare, rhenoster, hlapi, ishashakazane, and isijojokazana uxhaphozi. The wild buttercup is a small evergreen herb that spreads freely and produces masses of yellow flowers in summer. It can be found growing in damp grasslands, near streams and in marshes, from the coast up to 2 900m.

Click here to see Google Images of the Wild Buttercup

Ranunculus 'Mixed' Picture courtesy HadecoTips on using Ranunculus effectively in the garden?

Ranunculus flowers will add a touch of elegance and grace to your outdoor spaces, and the corms are still relatively inexpensive, allowing gardeners to add welcome splashes of colour to winter and spring flowering beds, borders and pots. They look particularly dazzling if planted in drifts of at least 25, and because these little plants only grow around 30cm tall and 15cm wide, and thrive in pots, even the tiniest of gardens can sport a few ranunculus.

Ranunculus produce blooms in vibrant tones of red, yellow, pink, orange and white and are available in individual or mixed colours, giving gardeners more versatility in their colour schemes.

Members can click on highlighted text to read more about the annuals mentioned below.

Because ranunculus is a cool-season bloomer that enjoys sunshine, its natural companions include other cool-season flowers such as: 

Snapdragon

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) come in almost every colour or bicolour, including red, bronze, yellow, orange, pink, purple, cream, and white, and can be used to compliment or contrast with the colours or ranunculus.

Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) have clear, bright colours ranging from orange to apricot-orange, and golden to lemon-yellow, and will liven up any many colour scheme.

Iceland Poppy

Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule) The colours of Iceland Poppies in bright and pastel shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, cream and white, as well as bicoloured varieties, go well with those of ranunculus. There are several varieties like ‘Champagne Bubbles’ which are available in mixed and single colours, allowing you more creativity in colour design. 

Dianthus

Pinks (Dianthus) Dianthus has always been favoured by gardeners because it is a tough little annual with the most irresistible flowers, and it can be planted almost throughout the year in South Africa, because it not only withstands our summer heat and heavy rainfall, but is also frost hardy. The blooms of new garden hybrids often have frilled or zigzag edges to their petals, and come in outstanding hues of salmon, pink, red, violet and white, and in lovely clear colours as well as bi-colours.

Pansies & Violas

Pansies & Violas are timeless winter and spring flowering favourites and they come in a staggering range of bright or pastel colours including, pink, blue, yellow, gold, orange, purple, violet, red, russet, white, and even black. If used artfully their colours can be used to create wonderful contrasts with ranunculus, and selecting complimentary colours is effortless as their colour range is staggering.

Blue Butterfly

Delphinium grandiflorum ‘Blue Butterfly’ Adding small drifts of flowers with blue flowers between the bright colours on ranunculus will add contrast and stability to the landscape. Blue Butterfly is one of the most well-known dwarf delphinium cultivars which blooms in its first year from seed, producing masses of small azure-blue flowers in spring and early to mid-summer, and because it also grows well in pots, is a good companion for ranunculus.

Forget-me-not 

Forget-me-not (Myosotis alpestris) is grown as a spring and summer flowering annual in South Africa, producing an abundance of tiny azure-blue flower spikes that are wonderful if used to fill the spaces between drifts of ranunculus as they create a lovely, carpeted effect in the garden. These flowers are renowned for blending effortlessly with bulbs.

Virginian Stocks 

Virginian Stocks (Malcolmia maritima) This delightful little annual deserves a place in every winter and spring garden. Not only does it flower profusely in delightful shades of pink, rose red, lilac and creamy-white, but it also smells heavenly. It must also be the easiest annual to grow from seed. 

Members can click here to read my article on how to use colour effectively in the garden

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There are many gorgeous combinations of colours and textures that you can use to compliment ranunculus, so visit your garden centre to find your favourites. Just bear in mind that the companions you select must enjoy the same growing conditions as ranunculus.

Ranunculus 'Orange' Image by BARBARA808 from PixabayHow to prepare Ranunculus flowers for the vase?

Ranunculus are excellent cut flowers and the more you pick them, the more they flower. Luckily they can last for a week or so without flower food, and 10 days or more if given food. And if you take the time to prepare the stems properly before arranging, all you will have to do is to change the water every other day to keep it fresh, and the flowers well hydrated.

Once your plants start producing flower buds you can start cutting them for the vase, but wait until the buds start to show colour, and cut in the early morning or late afternoon. Use a sharp knife, as scissors or pruners will crush the stems and damage the water-carrying vessels.  Strip the stems of their lower leaves so they don’t cloud the water, and because exposed cut stems can form air bubbles inside them, blocking the essential water carrying vessels, always carry a jug or bucket of water with you so you can immediately plunge the cut stems into water.

Cut the stems as long as possible, and when you bring them indoors cut the stems again just before arranging the flowers in a vase, but before you cut,  gently wrap the individual stem bases, at the length you wish to arrange them, with string, then make the cut just below the string. This method will help to prevent damage to the hollow, fairly brittle stems, which may otherwise soften, split and start rotting when placed in water. Adding a professional cut flower food to the water will extend the life of all cut flowers.

What is the flower symbolism of Ranunculus?

In Victorian times, the individual gifting the flowers would use them to indicate that he or she admired the receiver and found them charming and attractive. This remains true today, and a bouquet of ranunculus is still given to suitors as a sign of romantic interest.  It’s no wonder therefore that these blooms are a preferred choice for wedding ceremonies.

In bouquets ranunculus look wonderful arranged with roses, peonies, tulips, baby's breath, sweet peas, freesia, hydrangea and anemones.

Members can click on highlighted text to read more about the flowers mentioned above.

Ranunculus 'Yellow' Image by Jenő Szabó from Pixabay from PixabayHow to plant and care for Ranunculus

Where does Ranunculus grow best in South Africa?

Because the modern hybrids we plant today are derived from the Persian ranunculus which grows where the winters are mild and moist, followed by mild, dry summers, it follows that they grow extremely well in the winter rainfall regions of the Western Cape.

Ranunculus is hardy to moderate frost and will grow well in cold, inland regions, and once established the roots will tolerate soil temperatures below 10°C. While growing plants can handle temperatures around -5°C for short spells, in regions with very severe winters and black frosts, corms are best planted in late winter to flower in early summer. Mulching the roots will help protect them from freezing.

In subtropical regions ranunculus are grown during the coolest months. The plants will require a lot of sunshine and an open, airy garden. In these regions they are also usually spaced further apart than usual in order to help prevent fungal infections like powdery mildew. Try to water early in the day, and from below, as moisture on the foliage can encourage infections. For this reason, drip irrigation works well for growing ranunculus in humid regions. Ranunculus do not like hot roots, so mulch the soil around them, or plant a low-growing annual like alyssum as living mulch.

When is the best time to sow or plant Ranunculus?

Because our summers can be extremely hot, in South Africa ranunculus are usually treated as annuals which are planted out in from early April to the end of May, and to extend the flowering season staggered plantings can be done from April to mid-June.

How long do Ranunculus corms take to bloom?

They generally bloom around 90 days after planting, and will continue to flower for around 4 to 6 weeks.

Can Ranunculus be grown from seed?

Growing ranunculus from seed is definitely worth the effort, and for very large gardens is more economical. If sown in autumn when the soil temperatures have cooled down considerably, they will bloom within 3 to 4 months.

Seeds can be sown directly into well-prepared garden beds when the soil temperatures are consistently around 10°C. You can also sow into trays, using a lightweight seedling soil. Germination will take 20 to 30 days. Sow fairly thickly, because germination rates can be erratic.

Does corm size matter with Ranunculus?

The claw-like bulbs, more correctly called “corms” come in four grades or sizes. Bulb size predicts the number of flowers, so yes, for the gardener corm size does matter, and especially if you are planting into pots, so try to buy the biggest corms available.

The largest are called “jumbos”- the ones you can rely upon. They are at least 7 to 8cm in circumference, and each bulb will produce some 35 flowers. Number 1 corms are slightly smaller, 6 to 7cm, and produce around 20 blooms.  Number 2 corms are 5 to 6cm and produce 12 or more blooms. Smaller number twos or even threes serve well for mass plantings, but are rarely sold retail.

Garden centres may offer ranunculus in autumn or spring as trays of bedding plants or in small pots. While the costs may be a bit higher, this is a good option if you need only a few plants for a container or small area of the garden.

Can Ranunculus corms be lifted and stored?

Once they have finished blooming, the corms are usually discarded and fresh ones purchased each season. However, once the leaves have turned yellow and have died down naturally, the corms can be lifted and stored in a cool dry place until next season.

Ranunculus 'White' Image by Ralph from PixabayHow much sun does Ranunculus require?

Ranunculus need full sun to really bloom well, but will take a little shade during the day.

How much water does Ranunculus need?

In the winter rainfall regions of the country the plants are great water wise plants and if rainfall is good will need no supplemental watering. In the summer rainfall regions they will require regular watering throughout winter and spring.

Depending on climate and soil type, ranunculas are generally watered well every 3 to 4 days, as opposed to light sprinklings every day. Try to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Young plants need more water when they are actively growing, but also avoid keeping them too wet.

Potted plants will need extra attention with regards to watering as they can dry out more quickly than those growing in garden beds. Avoid keeping pots standing in drip trays filled with stagnant water.

What growing medium is best for Ranunculus?

Ranunculus will adapt to most fertile garden soils but thrives in a rich, well-drained soil, enriched with compost. If you’re planting into pots, ensure you use a good quality potting medium that retains water but also drains well.

Do I need to soak Ranunculus corms before planting?

Ranunculus corms look like little octopuses and many gardeners advocate soaking them for three to four hours in tepid water before planting. However, if you are in a hurry, this is not not necessary, and if you happen to leave them in water too long, they'll turn to mush.

How to plant and space Ranunculus corms?

Ranunculus corms can be planted directly into well prepared garden beds or pots but many gardeners prefer to first pre-sprout them in seedling trays for about 2 weeks before planting them out. If you are stagger planting to extend the flowering season and live in a cold winter region, it is suggested that you sprout in seedling trays and plant out more established seedlings during the coldest months.

Because ranunculus corms come in various sizes, a general rule is to cover them with about 3cm of soil, with their claws pointing down. In clayey soils corms are planted 1 to 2cm deep.

Smaller corms are planted 12 to 15cm apart, but Jumbo corms are spaced 20 to 30cm. In pots ranunculus are usually planted a bit closer together.

How to feed Ranunculus?

Drench regularly with a liquid organic fertiliser for flowering plants, or one specifically recommended for bulbs. This is especially important when the plants begin to bloom, and regular feeding is most important if you are growing in pots.

How to plant Ranunculus in pots?

Ranunculus adapt easily to container life, but they do produce a large root system, so ensure that your pot is large enough for the number of bulbs you intend to plant. A large window box is perfect to grow ranunculus, or a larger pot. A 20 to 25cm pot can fit one or two jumbos, or three number two’s.

Ensure that your pot has drainage holes at the bottom before filling with a good quality potting soil that drains well. When planting in containers, you can get away with planting slightly closer together.  Plant the corms at the correct depth, water well, and move the container into a sunny spot where it will receive maximum light exposure throughout the day.

Ranunculus 'Red' Image by Priti Solanki from PixabayProblems, Pests & Diseases of  Ranunculus?

How to protect Ranunculus corms from moles?

Moles love to munch on many types of bulbous plants, including ranunculus, so if they are a problem in your area consider planting into pots or window boxes, and in garden beds use bulb planter trays for growing in. These plastic containers with their mesh-like bases will prevent moles from reaching the corms, and once planted with the bulbs they are then submerged into garden beds to blend into the landscape flawlessly. These containers not only make planting bulbs easier, but they are also super easy to lift once the plants have died down, making lifting and storing bulbs for next season super easy.

How to protect Ranunculus corms from Snails & Slugs?

Slugs and snails love to attack the young shoots of ranunculus plants, so sprinkle some organic snail bait or put out snail traps to protect young seedlings.

How to protect Ranunculus corms from Powdery Mildew?

Late in the season, as the weather warms up, and in subtropical regions, ranunculus can be susceptible to developing powdery mildew. Preventative spraying with an organic fungicide will help prevent this disease. In subtropical regions planting in a very open and airy bed with a wider spacing between the plants will go a long way in preventing outbreaks.

How to protect Ranunculus from aphids?

Warmer weather will also bring on the aphids, so keep a look out for them and spray them off the plants with a jet of water or spray with an organic insecticide.

Is Ranunculus toxic?

Like wild Ranunculus species, Persian buttercups contain compounds that make them unpalatable to animals so poisoning is unlikely. However, Ranunculaceae contain protoanemonin, which is toxic to both humans and animals, so caution is advised.

Contact with plant sap may cause inflammation and blistering of the skin, while ingestion can cause irritation of the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhoea.