Ranunculus: the gorgeous rose like flowers that appear in spring flower markets and are wildly coveted by floral designers and flower enthusiasts.
But can you believe that those same gorgeous non-native varieties that most likely come to mind are in the same family as the native adorable little buttercups that pop up everywhere here in Virginia during the spring?
It’s true! Ranunculus of all varieties are part of the buttercup family!
The fancy variety, Ranunculus Asiaticus, is a native of Asia, and is often referred to as the Persian Buttercup (pictured above).
Our native varieties, Ranunculus Acris or Ranunculus Balbosus (pictured below), are much shorter and unassuming, but fun fact: they work beautifully as a (short lived) cut flower for bud vases (and for checking to see if you love butter of course….or was that just my childhood?!)
In Victorian times, to give someone a ranunculus meant that you found them to be charming and/or attractive. That could mean in just a friendly way, but if you want to make sure the message is received that you are physically attracted to that charm, then be sure the ranunculus bouquet is red.
For flower growers who wish to include ranunculus in your gardens, please be advised that here in central Virginia, they only do well when planted in the fall and overwintered. That’s because they really hate heat and frost, so if you plant them after the last frost, unfortunately our short springs mean that they’ll start blooming just when the heat really begins…which will quickly make them start to wither away, even if you keep them watered.
So, if you see a potted ranunculus plant at a big box store or nursery, please note that it’s best to keep it in a pot to be enjoyed for a few weeks. If you put it in your landscape, unfortunately it won’t be beautiful there for very long and most likely won’t come back the following year.
This month they’re readily available from local flower growers, and they do last forever in the vase (sometimes up to two weeks!), so I do hope you’re able to get your hands on some!