Ranunculus aconitifolius
fair maids of France
A clump-forming perennial to 60cm, with three-to five-lobed, dark, glossy green leaves up to 20cm long. In late spring to early summer produces tall, upright, branching stems with numerous, saucer-shaped, white flowers opening from red buds
Other common names
aconite buttercupaconite-leaved buttercup
see moremountain crowfoot
fair maids of Kent
Synonyms
Ranunculus giganteus Lapeyr.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Ranunculus can be annuals, biennials, evergreen or herbaceous perennials, with rhizomes, tubers or spreading by runners. The leaves are variable but often palmately lobed or dissected and the flowers usually bowl-shaped
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.