Last Updated on October 8, 2022 by Real Men Sow
Buttercups, water crowfoots, and spearworts are all members of the Ranunculus spp. genus. Buttercups can be found growing in a variety of different habitats, which include swamps, ponds, and wetland areas. The first ever buttercup flower was discovered in Canada by Samuel Hearne back in 1774.
The 5 Most Popular Ranunculus Flowering Plants
Ranunculus spp. is known to be a suitable plant for indoor or outdoor growing in your own garden. They’re absolutely beautiful and come in a variety of colours. If you haven’t grown Ranunculus before, then why not get started with these five great varieties?
Spearwort
Ranunculus flavula, less common spearwort, is one of Britain’s four native spearworts. The botanical name “flammula” comes from the Latin ‘flamma’, which means flame. This probably refers to the fiery taste (and possibly toxicity) of the leaves. The skin and stomach irritations that can be caused by touching or eating any part of the plant could result.
It is a marginal plant that bears beautiful yellow buttercups from May through August. Its sprawling nature makes it a great choice for the pond’s edge. Its flowers attract many pollinating insects.
Ranunculus Flammula can be grown at the pond’s edge or in a Bog Garden, in full sun or partial shade. It will self-seed easily.
Growing Guide
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic, boggy, chalky, alkaline, clay, heavy, or moist
White Buttercups
Ranunculus Aconitifolius, is a beautiful, spring-flowering plant that bears masses of single, white buttercups in loose sprays. Each one has golden yellow eyes and contrasts with the fresh, green, finely divided leaves. It is a vigorous grower and can spread easily among other plants. This plant makes the great ground cover.
Ranunculus Aconitifolius is a hardy plant that thrives in moist soils and can tolerate extreme wet conditions. It can be grown in bog gardens or around the edges of lakes. To get the best results, plant in full sun or partial shade. Don’t let the soil dry out. It’s possible for plants to be very vigorous so it is a good idea in autumn to divide and dig up clumps.
Growing Guide
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun, or partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic, boggy, chalky, alkaline, clay, heavy, or moist
Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris ‘Citrinus’)
Ranunculus Acris, the Meadow buttercup, produces beautiful, yellow buttercups from April through October. It is the tallest common buttercup and can grow to 90 cm in height.
Ranunculus Acris “Citrinus” is a striking cultivar that bears beautiful sulfur-yellow blooms which catch the sun’s rays and reflect them. This cultivar is ideal for naturalizing in long grass, boggy areas, along pathways, or at the pond edge.
Ranunculus citrinus acris can be grown in full sun in moist soil. To encourage another flush of flowers, cut back after flowering.
Growing Guide
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun
- Soil type: Boggy, clay, heavy, or moist
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus derives its name from Rana, the Latin word for frog. This is probably due to their preference for damp conditions. Ranunculus is similar to common buttercups, but it won’t be a problem on lawns. In June and July, it produces bright yellow, button-like blooms.
Ranunculus Acris should be grown in moist, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade for best results.
Growing Guide
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun, or partial shade
- Shade type:<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> Damp
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic, chalky, alkaline, clay, heavy, moist, well-drained, light, or sandy
Ranunculus aconitifolius ‘Flore Pleno’
Ranunculus Aconitifolius is a great choice for cottage gardens. It produces masses of loose white buttercups with golden yellow eyes. The plants have an open, airy habit that will spread easily among other plants to create a natural, self-sown appearance.
Ranunculus Aconitifolius is tolerant of extreme wet conditions and thrives in moist soils. It can be grown in bog gardens or around the edges of lakes.
Ranunculus Aconitifolius “Flore Pleno” bears fully double, white flowers in the early spring. To get the best results, plant in full sun or partial shade and don’t let the soil dry out. It’s possible for plants to be very vigorous so it is a good idea in autumn to divide and dig up clumps.
Growing Guide
- Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained, light, sandy, clay, heavy, moist, chalky, alkaline, or acidic
Conclusion
So whether it’s to improve a bog garden, a pond or a wild piece of land, Ranunculus spp. certainly makes an impression. And if your granny never grew them, get them on your bucket list now!
