Ranunculus asiaticus: The Spring Blooming Beauty

Ranunculus asiaticus, commonly known as the Persian buttercup, is a spring-blooming ornamental favorite. With vibrant, peony-like flowers and long vase life, these blooms are beloved by gardeners and florists alike. Perfect as an alternative to roses or peonies in spring bouquets, ranunculus has become a staple in gardens and floral arrangements worldwide.

What is Ranunculus?

Ranunculus is a large genus of about 1,700 species, including buttercups, spearworts, and water crowfoots. The species most commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes is Ranunculus asiaticus. These plants are the baseline for most garden-grown ranunculus and have long been a favorite of commercial florists due to their colorful, layered blooms and versatility in floral design.

Breeders have developed popular cultivated groups such as the Amandine series, La Belle series, and many more. Varieties come in a wide range of colors like white, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, purple, bi-colors, and artistic types and in petal types that include single, double, ruffled, or curved edges. Some of our most sought-after ranunculus varieties include Half Clone Marshmallow, Tecolote Pastel Mix, La Belle Chocolate, Super Green Cream, and Amandine Salmon, though the options are nearly endless for those looking to explore.

How to Grow Ranunculus

Are Ranunculus Perennials or Annuals?

Ranunculus asiaticus can be grown as both an annual and a perennial, depending on your climate:

• Zones 8–10: Tender perennials that can survive mild winters.
• Zones 7 and below: Treated as annuals unless tubers are dug up and stored indoors over winter.

Understanding the Ranunculus Corm

Ranunculus grow from corms, which are tuberous storage organs that resemble claws. Each corm stores nutrients to help the plant survive adverse conditions, such as winter cold or summer heat, and can produce 5–10 flower stems per season.

Planting & Care Tips

• Timing: In warmer climates (Zones 8–10), plant in fall for blooms in late winter or early spring. In colder zones, plant in late winter/early spring for early summer blooms.
• Soaking: Pre-soak corms for a few hours before planting.
• Orientation: Plant corms with claw side facing down in well-draining soil.
• Watering: Only water when green foliage emerges and the top few inches of soil are dry. Overwatering can cause rot and fungal diseases.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.
• Heat Management: Shade cloth can help minimize excessive heat and protect your ranunculus so they can bloom longer.
• End of Season: At the end of the season, dig up corms for storage or disposal or leave them in the ground depending on your zone and preference.

Ranunculus in Floral Design

Ranunculus are a florist favorite due to their vibrant colors, long vase life (7–14 days), and unique petal characteristics.

Color Range

White - Pink - Red - Orange - Yellow - Green - Purple - Bi-colors - Artistic

Petal Types

Layered Petals: Multiple delicate, tissue-thin petals arranged in concentric layers create a rose- or peony-like appearance.
Varying Petal Count: Different cultivars offer diverse fullness and density from single to double blooms.
Ruffled and Curved Edges: Some varieties, like the Amandine and Cloni series, feature ruffled or curled petals for added texture.

With such variety in color and petal structure, ranunculus provide endless options for stunning spring arrangements. Ranunculus pairs well with other spring bloomers such as Anemones, Snapdragons, Pansies, Sweet Peas and Daffodils.

Tips for Keeping Ranunculus Healthy

• Avoid Overwatering: Water only when foliage has emerged and soil is dry.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prevent pests.
• Pest Control: Watch for aphids, which are common garden pests.
• Air Circulation: Ensure good ventilation to prevent fungal diseases like grey mold.

Popular Ranunculus Series and Their Unique Traits

Ranunculus asiaticus offers a wide range of cultivated series, each with unique characteristics that appeal to gardeners and florists alike.

Amandine Series

Bloom Type: Large, fluffy double flowers
Colors: Salmon, Porcelaine, Black, and more
Traits: Premium variety with strong stems, long vase life, and excellent heat tolerance
Best For: Cut flower production and garden beds in warmer zones (8–11)

La Belle Series

Bloom Type: Elegant, double flowers with refined appearance
Colors: Chocolate, White Picotee and more
Traits: High-quality blooms with striking color variations
Best For: Florists and decorative garden arrangements

Half Clone Series

Bloom Type: Full double flowers with substantial size
Colors: Marshmallow, Iceberg, Juliette, Wedding Pastel and more
Traits: Combines the vigor of cloned varieties with the hardiness of seed-grown types; disease-resistant and reliable
Best For: Gardeners seeking strong, resilient plants that perform well in warmer zones

Tecolote Series

Bloom Type: Large, peony-shaped, full double blooms reaching 4-5 inches across
Colors: Salmon, Pastel Mix, Rose, White and more
Traits: Bred in California for improved heat tolerance; slightly more heat-hardy than traditional varieties but not suited for extreme heat
Best For: North American climates with mild to warm springs

Super Green Series

Bloom Type: Unique green-toned flowers with double blooms
Colors: Cream, Rose, White and more
Traits: Eye-catching and unusual, perfect for adding contrast in bouquets
Best For: Garden enthusiasts and florists looking for standout blooms

Why Explore Different Series?
Each series offers something unique, whether it’s color, bloom form, vase life, or climate adaptability. By exploring multiple series, gardeners and florists can create diverse, visually stunning spring displays.

Final Thoughts

Ranunculus asiaticus has been incredibly rewarding to grow. From well-known favorites to newly offered varieties, the range of colors, forms, and textures makes spring a true wonder. With careful timing, proper care, and the right variety selection, these flowers can bring stunning beauty to gardens and arrangements alike.

Start Growing Your Own Ranunculus

Explore our most popular varieties such as Half Clone Marshmallow and Tecolote Salmon, or try a mixed bundle like our Garden Classics bundle, which includes four ranunculus varieties, or the Weird and Wonderful bundle, combining two ranunculus and two anemone varieties to grow. Bring these spring-blooming beauties to your garden today!