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Herbaceous Perennial

Ranunculus asiaticus

Persian buttercup

A tuberous perennial with long-stalked, deeply lobed leaves. Branched flowering stems bear one to four single, cup-shaped, red, pink, yellow or white flowers with black centres in late spring and early summer

Other common names
garden ranunculus

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Black Pink Red White Yellow Green
Summer Black Pink Red White Yellow Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
S Europe, SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Requires a dry, dormant period in summer; grows best in containers with a mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould and grit under unheated glass with good light and ventilation

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or divide in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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