Ranunculus
Introduction
A beloved spring flowering plant most of us purchase and plant in spring for an early colorful show! If you live in zones 8-10 you could alternatively plant the bulbs in the Fall. But here in NYC - Not us.
Their flowers are just so amazing – almost crafted – too perfect to be real. Their blossoms have super thin petals packed tightly. Colors range from cream and pale yellow to apricot, pink, orange, red and burgundy. The bloom reminds me a bit of a rose, camelia or even a peony - plump and gorgeous!
Used a lot for wedding bouquets – it’s a regular in flower shops.
R. asiaticus - a wild great grand daddy
Cool-season Only
Ranunculus are cool weather plants that need lots of bright light and should be grown in full sun. As warmer weather arrives, they simply wither away. When the temperature reaches 70*F they will stop forming buds and begin to go dormant.
They are a bit fussy about watering. They do not like to dry out but won’t tolerate soggy soil either. Avoid splashing water on the foliage as they are susceptible to powdery mildew. A drip irrigation system works perfectly!
We plant them early in the season when the temperatures are 45-50. Once in bloom, they will tolerate temperatures down to almost freezing.
R. bulbosus - wild species growing in Texas
Where are they from ?
Known as Persian buttercups, they are native to the Mediterranean region, southwestern Asia, and southeastern Europe. They thrive in cool, spring-like conditions, typically blooming in late spring or early summer in colder climates. Some are mountain or alpine plants. There are about 1,750 species !!!!!
The genus name Ranunculus is Late Latin for "little frog", the diminutive of rana. This probably refers to many species being found near water, like frogs.
R. acris - tall and bright yellow - grows wild in meadows
Traditional Medicine
The most common uses of Ranunculus species in Asian traditional medicines are as an antirheumatic, as a rubefacient, and to treat intermittent fever.
The active chemicals being protoanemonin and anemonin.
R. asiaticus - the parent of a myriad of cultivars !
Toxicity
All Ranunculus are poisonous when eaten. They have an acrid taste and will cause blistering of the mouth, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract. Toxic to children and pets - Keep them all away.
Handling plants is known to cause contact dermatitis. Make sure to wear gloves.
But Really – are they not just amazing!
Call us if you want some in your garden !
PLANT SPECIALISTS
GREENING NEW YORK FOR OVER 53 YEARS !
Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA
All photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK
