Ranunculus

( ran - NUN - kew - lus )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of herbaceous flowering perennials includes species which need regular water to perform well in the garden. Plants are commonly called Buttercups, Spearworts, or Water Crowfoots, and have a worldwide native distribution, mostly in temperate and mountainous regions. Flowers are typically present in spring and summertime. They are typically white or yellow, though many garden ornamentals have been bred with blooms in a wide array of warm hues. Use Ranunculus in the garden in flower beds, garden borders, containers, or as members of cut flower gardens. Take care when planting Ranunculus in the garden, as plant parts are toxic to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested.

Ranunculus Species and Varietals

The large genus Ranunculus is the type member of the plant family Ranunculaceae and includes 1,750 species. The plants in this species are related to those in The genus name is derived from the late Latin word for 'little frog', referring to the habitat where most species are found (near bodies of water). The best growing zones for Ranunculus vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Ranunculus abortivus (Littleleaf Buttercup, Small-Flower Crowfoot, Small-Flowered Buttercup, Kidneyleaf Buttercup, Early Wood Buttercup)
This species is widespread across North America and reaches between 4 and 24 inches tall when mature. Flowers are small and yellow, and foliage is green, forming a low-growing tuft. This is a plant used historically by native American populations. The specific epithet abortivus is from the Latin aborior, meaning 'to pass away', referring to the small petals that look like they have not fully developed. USDA zones 3-9.

Ranunculus aconitifolius (Aconite-Leaf Buttercup, Bachelor's Buttons, Fair Maids of France, Fair Maids of Kent)
These plants are native to central Europe, and reach up to 2 feet tall and 16 inches wide. These perennials produce loose panicles of white flowers in springtime and form basal clumps of foliage. They typically form colonies of plants in moist areas in mountains, meadows, and along ditches and streams. Cultivar 'Flore Pleno' has profuse white blooms. This species performs well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian Ranunculus, Persian Buttercup, Turban Buttercup, Persian Crowfoots)
This species of Ranunculus grows as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or as an annual elsewhere, and is native to Asia Minor. It reaches to 2 feet tall and wide with tuberous roots and ferny foliage. Flowers in spring bloom atop stems, and are about 3-5 inches across. Blooms can be double or semi-double and come in a variety of colors, including white, cream, yellow, orange, red and pink. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Aviv' Mix
12-16 in. strong stems with 4-5 in. blooms in multiple colors.

'Bahama Mama'
Clooney Series, with yellow-coral-pink flowers. To 12 to 24 in.

'Bloomingdale' Series
To 10-12 in. tall, 8-10 in. wide, with a range of flower colors. Ornamental good for containers.

'Cafe'
Blooms in gold, terracotta, bronze, and mahogany. 18-24 in. tall.

Cloni Success 'Grand Pastel'
Double blooms in peach to salmon pastel colors. 18-24 in.

Cloni Success 'Hanoi'
Pastel pink and white layered blooms to 18-24 in.

Cloni Success 'Neroni'
18-24 in.; deeply layered black-burgundy blooms with green eyes.

'Mache' Series
Compact to 10-16 in.; good for containers. Variety of fully double blooms.

'Merlot'
Rich wine-purple velvety blooms to 18-24 in. tall.

'Pauline Violet'
Compact with double purple and dark maroon flowers. 12-16 inches tall.

Pon-Pon 'Alice'
Ruffled salmon-pink blooms with pale green centers. 16-20 in.

Pon-Pon 'Igloo'
With ruffled, bicolor white and apple green blossoms. 18-24 in. tall.

Pon-Pon 'Malva'
Ruffled magenta and chartreuse-green blooms. 16-18 in. tall.

'Sprinkles' Series
Garden ornamental to 8 to 18 inches tall in a variety of bloom colors.

'Sprinkles Dwarf' Series
6-8 inches tall with rich-colored flowers that sit just above the foliage.

'Tecolote' Series
Including clear, vibrant, blended, pastel, and picotee color schemes. 4-6 inch blooms on 18-24 in. stems.

'Tomer' Strain
This series reaches 10-12 inches tall and produces double brightly colored blooms.

Ranunculus bullatus (Autumn Buttercup, Blistered Buttercup, Golden Button)
These plants are native to Europe and North Africa, including most of the Mediterranean Islands. Blooms are present between the months of October and December in the plant's native range. Blooms are yellow and scented. Foliage is green, and forms a basal tuft. These plants prefer growing in rocky places, including olive groves and dry fields. Autumn Buttercup grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7 and 8.

Ranunculus californicus (California Buttercup)
These plants are native to California, where they grow in chaparral and woodland landscapes. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10, and reach up to 2.3 feet tall. Bright yellow flowers top green leafless stems. This species is cultivated as an ornamental in native plant gardens.

Ranunculus cortusiflolius (Azores Buttercup, Canary Buttercup)
This species is native to the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. Plants produce palmate leaves and showy yellow blooms. Flowering stems are green, and reach between 2 and 4 feet tall when plants are in bloom. Azores Buttercup is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Ranunculus eschscholtzii (Eschscholtz's Buttercup Subalpine Buttercup, Mountain Buttercup)
Named for Russian botanist and entomologist Johann Friedrich von Eschscholz, this species is native to northwestern areas in the United States. These perennial plants reach between 8 and 10 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and produce lemon yellow to golden-yellow flowers. This species of Buttercup is suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-7.

Ranunculus fascicularis (Early Buttercup, Prairie Buttercup, Thick-Root Buttercup)
These flowers are native to eastern North America, and prefer to grow on sandy bluffs, prairies, and savannahs. These are perennial plants, with dissected green foliage and tuberous roots. Flowers are bright yellow and bloom a little earlier in the season than others in the genus, hence the species common name. Early Buttercup does well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Ranunculus flabellaris (Yellow Water Buttercup, Yellow Water Crowfoot)
These aquatic to semi-aquatic plants are native to watery or muddy habitats across North America. They have variable foliage, depending on their habitat, and produce yellow flowers in inflorescences of up to 14 blooms at a time. Yellow Water Buttercup is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5a-9a.

Ranunculus glacialis (Glacier Buttercup, Glacier Crowfoot)
This species is native to mountainous areas in Europe, and is considered endangered in certain places in its range. Individual plants reach between 2 and 8 inches tall when in bloom, and produce fleshy, deeply lobed foliage. Flowers are white, fading to pink or reddish tones when mature. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 3-7 and thrives in harsh, alpine environments.

Ranunculus spp. Hybrids (Hybrid Ranunculus, Hybrid Buttercup)
The following Ranunculus cultivars were bred for their flower color, size and composition, stem strength and height, and resiliencies. They can be standalone cultivars or members of popular strains/series such as 'Butterfly', 'Elegance', 'Romance', or 'Amandine'. Individual cultivars are listed and described below:

'Ariadne'
Butterfly; peach-pink to white blooms. 18-36 in.

'Barby'
Amandine series; 10-24 in with bright pink flowers.

'Bianco Striato'
To 12-20 in. tall with white flowers with burgundy picotee edges. Elegance series.

'Black'
Amandine series; deep maroon flowers to 10-22 in. tall.

'Bonbon'
Amandine series to 12-15 in. with bright magenta pink to red flowers.

'Buzet'
Romance series with vintage peach-pink double blooms. 18-24 in.

'Cappuccino'
Double creamy-white blooms sometimes with mauve to cranberry edges. Elegance series. 12-16 in.

'Ceret'
Romance series; 24 in. tall with double ruffled soft orange flowers.

'Chamallow'
Light pink to white flowers on 10-25 in. stems. Amandine series.

'Charis'
Butterfly series; orange-rust flowers. 20-30 in. tall.

'Cioccolato'
Elegance series with highly double dark red blooms. 16-24 in. tall.

'Clementine'
Vibrant mandarin-orange flowers on 18-24 in. stems. Elegance series.

'Cream'
Amandine series with yellow-cream blooms to 10-25 in.

'Crema'
12-24 in. with double cream-white blooms. Elegance series.

'Cottun'
Romance series. Deep purple blooms to 12-24 in.

'Eris'
To 18-36 in. with semi-double pale salmon blooms. Butterfly series.

'Ferrand'
Romance series with fully double flowers in soft blush pink. 15-20 in.

'Gascogne'
Romance series with lavender-mauve blooms. To 20-30 in.

'Graces'
Butterfly series with cream-white to light yellow flowers. 18-36 in.

'Hades'
Deep red blooms 16-20 in. tall. Butterfly series.

'Hestia'
Butterfly series. With peach-apricot to dusty mauve flowers to 25-30 in.

'Hera'
Butterfly series; to 18-36 in. tall with light clear-pink flowers with deep pink centers..

'Hydra'
Romance series cultivar with cream-yellow flowers marked with pink. To 14-32 in.

'Iceberg'
Double clear white flowers. 10-16 inches tall.

'Juliette'
Amandine series. With clear pink to light pink flowers. 10-15 in. tall.

'Keramos'
To 16-32 in. tall with cream-white flowers. Butterfly series.

'La Dolce Vita'
Elegance series mix featuring pink, peach, orange, magenta, and cream flowers on 12-24 in. stems.

'Maritime'
Cream flowers age to pink; to 20-30 in. tall. Romance series.

'Marshmallow'
Light pink to clear pink flowers. Amandine series to 12 to 24 in tall.

'Montenvers'
With ruffled white petals around a lime green center. To 15 to 30 in. Romance series.

'Musa'
Butterfly series cultivar with cerise, coral, and bronze flowers. To 25 to 30 in. tall.

'Nohant'
With salmon-pink to dusty mauve double ruffled blooms on 15-30 inch stems. Romance series.

'Odon'
With deep red flowers with green centers and ruffled petals. To 24 to 30 inches tall. Romance series.

'Orléans'
Cream white flowers with soft pink speckling and blush edges. 15-32 in. Romance series.

'Pastel Lemon'
With lemon yellow to peach colored flowers. to 10-15 inches. Amandine series.

'Phytalos'
Butterfly series with Sulphur-yellow blooms. To 20-30 in.

'Porcelaine'
Amandine series with raspberry, peach, coral, and rose-toned flowers.

'Quimper'
Romance series; Bright yellow flowers with green centers. To 24-30 in. tall.

'Reinette Orange'
Fiery orange and green blooms with ruffled petals. 12-18 inches tall.

'Rosa Chiaro'
Elegance series with white to pink blooms with green centers. 12-24 in. tall.

'Rose'
Amandine series with clear magenta-pink double blooms. 10-15 inches tall.

'Rosso'
Elegance series; ruffled pure red blooms on 18-24 in. stems.

'Salerno'
To 15-30 inches tall with peach, salmon, and gold- yellow toned flowers. Romance series.

'Salmon'
Amandine series. To 14-22 in. tall with a range of pink, champagne, salmon and orange flowers.

'Salmone'
Elegance series. Coral-orange to salmon blooms. To 16-24 in. tall.

'Seine'
With pastel pink to blush flowers. Romance series. To 15-20 in. tall.

'Striato Gallio'
Gold-yellow petals marked with orange to burgundy-red. 18-24 in. Elegance series.

'Thiva'
Lavender to purple semi double flowers. Butterfly series to 20-32 in. tall.

'Tiger'
Cream-white and yellow flowers edged and striped with raspberry. Amandine series. 15-24 in. tall.

'Viola'
Deep wine-burgundy velvety blooms on 16-24 in. stems. Elegance series.

'White'
Amandine series. Clear white ruffled flowers to 10-20 inches tall.

Ranunculus lyallii (Mountain Buttercup, Mount Cook Buttercup, Mount Cook Lily, Giant Buttercup, Great Mountain Buttercup)
This species was discovered by David Lyall, Scottish botanist and doctor, and is endemic to New Zealand. Plants reach over three feet tall when mature, and grow from a stout rhizome root. Foliage is glossy and dark green, and flowers are white. Blooms have protruding yellow stamens. This species reaches up to 24 to 36 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide at maturity. It is suited for USDA hardiness zones 6-9.

Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup, Creeping Crowfoot, Sitfast)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-10 and 14-24, and is native to Eurasia. This plant is a vigorous grower with thick roots and runners that root at the joints. Forms a foliage clump 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide. Flowers are double and bright golden yellow. Creeping Buttercup makes a good groundcover. Varietal pleniflorus, also known as the Double Creeping Buttercup, reaches up to 1 foot tall and 6 feet wide, with double, bright yellow, ball-shaped flower heads. This species is considered invasive in the Pacific Northwest and coastal California in the United States as well as Australia, New Zealand, and other temperate regions around the globe.

Ranunculus sardous (Hairy Buttercup, Sardinian Buttercup, Hairy Crowfoot)
These plants are native to Europe and have naturalized in many other areas of the world, including the United States and Australia. They are common weeds along roadsides and in lawn areas. Flowers are yellow. Hairy Buttercup is suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-8. This species is considered invasive in North America, Australia, China, India, Japan, and Korea.

Ranunculus sceleratus (Celery-Leaved Buttercup, Celery-Leaf Buttercup, Cursed Buttercup)
This species is native to North America and Eurasia, and prefers to grow in moist habitats, including ponds and along streams. It is suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-9 and produces annual plants with deeply lobed foliage and small yellow flowers. Celery-Leaved Buttercup is considered invasive along the West Coast of North America, regions of Canada, and scattered disturbed wetland areas around the world.

Caring for Ranunculus

Plant your Ranunculus in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. When these flowers are grown in less light, they will not flower as profusely. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils. Some species, such as Ranunculus repens, do best in soggy environments, such as along the edges of ponds or other water features.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Some taller varieties of Ranunculus may require staking or netting to remain upright. At the end of the growing season when foliage turns yellow and then brown and dies back, it can be removed. Corms can be either left in place and mulched over to protect them from frosty temperatures, or they can be dug up and stored in a cool, dark, dry place over the winter months. In areas where they can be grown as perennial plants, Ranunculus flowers can be expected to thrive for 3 to 5 years before needing to be replaced. They have a clumping growth habit, which can provide new plants for the landscape indefinitely. As annuals, they are typically pulled and composted at the end of the growing season and replaced in the next with new flowers.

Caring for Ranunculus in Containers
Ranunculus shrubs are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Ranunculus plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Harvesting Ranunculus
Ranunculus, or Buttercups, are commonly cultivated for their colorful single blooms that can serve as focal flowers or serve supporting roles in arrangements and bouquets. In the cut flower industry, these flowers are often called the 'Rose of Spring', and come in a wider color range than almost any other cut flower. Note that many seed-grown strains display wide color variation in blooms. They are cut-and-come-again flowers; the more they are harvested, the more blooms are produced. Ranunculus are valued for their multi-layer, rose-like flower heads with paper-thin petals and their long vase life. The best varieties for cut flowers are those that feature long, straight stems. These taller stems may require staking or netting to remain upright. It is recommended for an even harvest to succession sow these blooms, planting seeds every few weeks during the early growing season. Harvest flower spikes when they are at their marshmallow stage (when buds are soft and squishy to the touch). They are fully mature and ready for harvesting when they have gone through a few open-close cycles, which last few days each. The best time of the day to harvest cut flowers is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Cut stems at their base using sharp, clean shears or snips and drop them into a bucket of cool water. They have a vase life of between 7 and 10 days if properly cared for.

Propagation

Ranunculus can be propagated either by division or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Ranunculus flowers, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Ranunculus by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Cold strat?
In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 10-21 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Ranunculus by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall and should be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best health. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Ranunculus seed heads are dry, elongated clusters left behind after petals fade. They look a bit like a q-tip, and are each packed with hundreds of small seeds.

Ranunculus seeds are tiny, light, and beige to brown in color, with a smooth, flat shape and a small dark central mark that indicates viability.

Problems and Pests

Certain Ranunculus species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Ranunculus plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: