Ficaria verna
lesser celandine
A tuberous perennial with long-stemmed, dark green glossy leaves with silver or bronze markings. Bright golden yellow cup-shaped flowers appear in spring, fading to white with age. Some variants can be very invasive but if you are relaxed about your garden can be good for a woodland area or for ground cover.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Gold Yellow | Green Bronze Grey | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Bronze Grey | |||
| Autumn | Green Bronze Grey | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Ficaria is a relatively small genus of European herbs. It is closely related to buttercups (Ranunculus) and is sometimes included within that genus
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, NW Africa, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial or full shade. Occurs naturally in open wood, hedges and damp meadows. A good early source of pollen and nectar for insects, though plants can spread and have potential to become a nuisance if not controlled. See celandine cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seeds, bulbils and tubers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews on drier soils
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.