1. Ranunculus Bouquet
2. Ranunculus Care
3. Peach Ranunculus
4. Ranunculus Plant
5. Growing Ranunculus
6. Ranunculus Bouquet

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By Michael MacCaskey

Brilliantly colored flowers are 'ranunculus' chief attraction, and they are indeed special. They most often come in multiple layers of delicate, crepe paper--thin petals, looking like an origami masterwork. Ranunculus (R. asiaticus) excel in southern and western gardens, and make terrific container plants everywhere. They also make long-lasting cut flowers. Bulbs are widely available in Fall at retail nurseries in mild-winter climates; in Fall and early spring from mail-order catalogs.

Ranunculus leaves, grass green and vaguely celery-like, grow in a mound 6 to 12 inches across. Flowers on 12- to 18-inch stems emerge in March from fall-planted bulbs, June and July from spring-planted bulbs; they last up to six weeks. On the most common type, the Tecolote strain, flowers are mostly fully double, 3 to 6 inches wide, and available in bicolored picotee, gold, pastel mix, pink, red, rose, salmon, sunset orange, white, and yellow. The less common Bloomingdale strain is shorter, to 10 inches, with pale orange, pink, red, yellow, and white double flowers.

Where and How Ranunculus Grow Best

Broadly speaking, ranunculus are frost-hardy cool-season perennials. They perform best where winters are relatively mild and springs are long and cool. The roots tolerate soil temperatures to 10°F, while growing plants can handle temperatures below 20°F for several hours.

Ranunculus are most popular in the mild-winter regions of the South and West, in states such as California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana (USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11), where they grow best. Planted there in October or November, they flower in March.

The clawlike bulbs, more correctly tubers, come in four grades or sizes. The largest, called jumbos, are the ones you should rely upon; they are at least 7 to 8 centimeters (2-3/4 to 3-1/8 inches) in circumference, or about 7/8 inch in diameter. Number one tubers are slightly smaller, 6 to 7 centimeters (2-1/4 to 2-3/4 inches); number twos are 5 to 6 centimeters (2 to 2-1/4 inches); and number threes, which are rare at retail, are 3 to 4 centimeters (1-1/8 to 2-1/4 inches).

Bulb size predicts the number of flowers. Each jumbo bulb will produce some 35 cuttable flowers, compared to a fifth as many from a number three bulb. Number ones will make about 20 flowers, number twos a dozen or more. Stick to jumbos for containers and most smaller plantings. Smaller number twos or even threes serve well for mass plantings.

At retail nurseries this fall, you can expect to pay about 50 cents for each jumbo bulb, 25 cents for number twos. Increasingly, nurseries also offer ranunculus in fall or spring as bedding plants in 4-inch pots. While the cost per bulb in pots is greater, this is a good option if you need only a few plants for a container.

Gardeners in zone 7 and north (Richmond and Reno to Minneapolis) can also grow ranunculus, but on a different schedule. In these regions, plant in early spring a week or two before the typical last frost.

Or, plant them in pots indoors in February for transplanting later. Place pots in a south- or west-facing window or under grow lights. Temperatures around 55°F are ideal. In early spring, gradually acclimate plants to outdoors by putting them out for more time each day (bring them in at night). Plant outdoors by mid-April in zones 6 and 7 (mid-May in zones 4 and 5). Spring-planted ranunculus will bloom in June or July.

Planting Ranunculus

Dry and hard when you buy them, tubers soften and plump up after absorbing moisture. You might be advised elsewhere to soak tubers before planting. It's not necessary, and if you happen to leave them in water too long, they'll turn to mush.

Choose a location in full sun and be sure the soil is well drained. The one environment that ranunculus do not tolerate is warm and wet. The cool soil of fall and early spring offers some protection from rotting, but soil that is never soggy gives extra insurance. Plant the tuber's claw pointed end down and 1 to 2 inches deep, less in clay soil. Space jumbos 8 to 12 inches apart (at least one tuber per square foot), number three tubers about 4 inches apart (two or three per square foot).

Ranunculus adapt easily to container life, but they do produce a large root system. A 10-inch pot can fit one or two jumbos or three number twos.

Whether tubers are in the garden or in pots, water thoroughly after planting, and apply a mulch of your choice: bark, coco hulls, and straw all work well. As long as soil retains some moisture, don't water again until you see sprouts, usually within 15 to 20 days.

Companion plants. Because ranunculus are cool-season bloomers, their natural companions include other cool-season flowers such as snapdragon (Antirrhinum), calendula, larkspur (Consolida ambigua), Chinese forget-me-not (Cynoglossum amabile), African daisy (Arctotis), candytuft (Iberis), sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus), toadflax (Linaria), forget-me-not (Myosotis), Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule), primrose (Primula), and pansy (Viola). The question is how to combine colors.

Here are two ranunculus color schemes that have proven popular. Interplant pink ranunculus with salmon Iceland poppy and red-purple pansies, and accent with a few yellow and pink English primroses. Another favorite scheme combines salmon ranunculus with blue Chinese forget-me-not.

Ranunculus from seed. If you can locate seed for sale or through a swap, they're definitely worth the effort. Sow in a lightweight, peat-based seed-starting mix in late winter, maintain soil temperature at 50°F, and allow 20 to 30 days for germination. Sow thickly, because the number of seeds that actually grow is low. After germination, maintain seedlings indoors at about 55°F until outdoor planting time. Plants will flower by June.

As cut flowers. Beyond their intrinsic beauty, ranunculus flowers have another virtue: they last indoors about 7 days after cutting. And at about a penny-and-a-half per flower, they are very inexpensive. Cut when flowers first show color, in the early morning after they have had the night to recharge themselves with moisture. For an additional day or two of vase life, add any floral preservative to the water.

After the flowers fade. For some lucky gardeners with perfectly drained, cool soil, the tubers can stay in place and be treated like any perennial that comes back year after year. But this is rare. Most gardeners treat ranunculus as annuals, disposing of them after bloom. You could pull and compost plants, or leave them in place to fade away. In most gardens, the tubers will rot in moist summer soils. More ambitious gardeners can save the tubers for replanting next year. Let blooms fade and plants dry out. Lift tubers, cut off tops, and store in a dry, cool place for planting next year.

Michael MacCaskey is a former editorial director at National Gardening.

In Brief

Known for its romantic flair, ranunculus commonly features huge round blooms with layers of beautifully ruffled petals, making it a bouquet favorite. However, these flowers have numerous kinds and vary in appearance. Let’s find out more about its distinguishable varieties and symbolic meanings.

About the Ranunculus

Commonly referred to as buttercups, Ranunculus is a genus of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family. Derived from the Latin terms rana and unculus that translate to littlefrog, the ranunculus was probably called this because of its tendency to grow along streams plentifully.

Of all the types of ranunculus available, the most sought after is the Persian buttercup. This variety, also called R. asiaticus, is regarded as the florist’s bloom for its ruffled and brilliantly colored petals in lollipop hues like pink, purple, orange, pale yellow, and red. They usually have flappy, globe-like flowers that bloom in the late spring to early summer, and reach up to two feet tall.

The Persian ranunculus is native to central Asia but is now widely grown throughout the world, especially in regions with temperate climates. Since the genus is vast, some of the flowers are perennials, while others are annual or even aquatic. There are different types of ranunculus, with some varieties commonly found in grassy meadows and woodland areas in the United States. Some of them are the R. aconitifolius with saucer-shaped flowers, the R. lyallii with gigantic white flowers and lily pad-like leaves, and the R. acris or double meadow buttercup that tends to be weedy and invasive.

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Origin of the Ranunculus

The origin of the ranunculus is connected to an ancient Persian myth. While there are several versions to it, the two most popular are as follows:

According to a Persian myth, a handsome young prince garbed in green and gold clothes fell in love with a beautiful but haughty nymph. He sang songs to her and tried to woo her, but she rejected his advances. He eventually died from a broken heart and a ranunculus grew where he fell. In another version of this myth, the other nymphs got tired of hearing the prince singing to her, that she turned him into a ranunculus.

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Meaning and Symbolism of Ranunculus

In general, ranunculus flowers symbolize charm and attractiveness regardless of its color. They’re beautiful and symbolic flowers to give to a loved one or to include in wedding bouquets and floral decorations.

Ranunculus flowers are sweet and romantic, making them the ideal gifts for loved ones. However, different types of ranunculus carry different meanings. If you want to be specific with your message, here are the meanings associated with different types of ranunculus:

• Persian Buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus) – This is the most popular and most beautiful variety of buttercups. This variety says, “I am dazzled by your charms.” In Victorian times, a bouquet of ranunculus was usually given to someone attractive and charming. This variety of ranunculus is commonly used in floristry to express sweet sentiments and romance.

• Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) – Sometimes referred to as tall buttercup, the flower symbolizes ingratitude, due to its association with manipulative beggars during the medieval times. According to legend, beggars would rub the flower on their skin to cause inflammation, which would stir sympathy in people and make them give money. This variety grows in meadows and grasslands.

• Celery-leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus) – This ranunculus is commonly found growing near ponds, and it also symbolizes ingratitude. In fact, it’s also called the cursed buttercup, biting crowfoot, and blisterwort. Its leaves resemble those of the celery plant, hence the name.

• Hairy Buttercup (Ranunculus sardous) – This flower is associated with superstition citing that it can create madness or craziness. This has given it the symbolism of irony, scornful laughter, and even death.

Ranunculus Bouquet

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Uses of Ranunculus Flower throughout History

For centuries, ranunculus has been used in traditional medicine and even in divination.

In Magic and Superstitions

During ancient times, the ranunculus was used in divination to deepen spiritual connection and teach wisdom. Some even think that it’s guarded by a spirit, especially the Ranunculus bulbosus, that would help in manifesting dreams and desires. Also, the flower served as an amulet and many hung them at their front doors.

In Medicine

Disclaimer

The medical information on symbolsage.com is provided for general educational purposes only. This information should in no way be used as a substitute for medical advice from a professional.

During medieval times, the ranunculus, including the flower, leaves, and roots, were used to help with blisters. In fact, Pliny the Elder recommended it for treating leprous sores. In folk medicine, these blooms were also used as a remedy for swelling of the lymph glands, known as the king’s evil in Europe.

Nowadays, the whole plant, specifically the Ranunculus bulbosus, is used to make medicine for treating flu, hiccups, arthritis, rheumatic pain, and other diseases.

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The Ranunculus Flower in Use Today

These show-stopping flowers make a spectacular display in gardens, flower borders, and vases. What’s more, ranunculus can even stay fresh up to a week after being cut. A bouquet of these blooms can warm up any interior with its color and beauty.

Ranunculus is best known for its delicate petals and cotton candy colors, making it the highlight of bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and corsages during spring and winter weddings. While these blooms are typically chosen used to complement vintage-themed weddings, they suit any wedding theme and even serve as wedding cake toppers.

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When to Give Ranunculus Flowers

Ranunculus symbolizes charm, so it’s the perfect bouquet to give to someone who has charmed you, as if you’re saying, “I have a crush on you” or “I find you attractive.” For a more romantic gesture, think of Tango ranunculus, which is a great alternative to red roses.

Because it isn’t a birth flower, the ranunculus makes a perfect gift at any time of the year, including birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, special occasions, and other celebrations.

Ranunculus Care

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In Brief

Peach Ranunculus

If you like to add more color to your spring garden, think of these blooms! Ranunculus has been a symbol of charm and attractiveness for centuries, and it continues to capture our hearts with its color and beauty.

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