Alphabetical Plant Listing

Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian Buttercup)

Persian Buttercup, Turban Buttercup, Persian Crowfoot (Ranunculus asiaticus)


Adored by florists and gardeners, Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian Buttercups) is a tuberous perennial boasting brilliantly colored flowers adorned with multiple layers of delicate, crepe paper-thin petals. Easy to grow if some rules are followed, Ranunculus boast long-lasting, single, double or frilled, exquisite blossoms in a rainbow of gorgeous colors.

  • Ranunculus is a large genus of about 600 species of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family, which includes buttercups, spearworts and water crowfoots.
     
  • Among them is the popular Florist Buttercup, Ranunculus asiaticus, commonly known as Persian Buttercup. Native to the Mediterranean region, southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe, it bears large, lushly petaled flowers, 2-5 in. across (5-12 cm), in a wide array of colors ranging from pink, red, and purple to cream, pale yellow, and orange. 
     
  • Ranunculus typically grow 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm), and sport exquisite rose-like flowers, packed with tissue-thin petals. The blossoms are borne atop sturdy stems above a lush foliage of finely-cut, fern-like leaves. Popular hybrid strains are 'Aviv' (grows 12-16 in. / 25-30 cm tall), 'Tecolote' (14-16 in. / 35-40 cm tall, with 3-6" / 7-15 cm large flowers) and 'Tomer' (10-12 in. / 25-30 cm tall). Any one of them will look great any place in your garden.
     
  • Ranunculus are cool-season flowers. They perform best where winters are relatively mild and springs are long and cool.
     
  • Ranunculus are winter hardy perennials in growing zones 8-11 and will come back year after year. In these mild climates, Ranunculus corms can be planted in fall for spring flowers.
     
  • If you live in colder areas (zone 7 and below), either you grow Ranunculus as annuals and leave them in the ground, or you save your corms for next spring, dig them up before the first frost and store them over winter before replanting them next spring. In these cold climates, Ranunculus corms can be planted in late winter or very early spring for early summer flowers. Not sure about your growing zone? Check here
     
  • Whether treated as perennials or annuals, Ranunculus add brilliance to pots and containers and can be planted in the garden in flower beds and borders. Terrific as fresh cut flowers, they make magnificent bouquets with a vase life of up to 7 days. Prized by flower shops, they are a favorite in wedding bouquets.
     
  • Ranunculus bloom for about 4-7 weeks in late spring to early summer in cold climates (planted in spring), or in early-mid spring in mild climates (planted in fall). A single Ranunculus plant may produce as many as 35 flowers in one blooming season.
     
  • Ranunculus are poisonous to both animals (cats, dogs, horses) and humans. They are deer and rabbit resistant.

Guide Information

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 7 - 11
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 7 - 11
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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