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Herbaceous Perennial

Ficaria verna 'Sylvie' (French Ladies Series) (d)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

lesser celandine 'Sylvie'

A compact, tuberous-rooted perennial with rosettes of broadly heart-shaped foliage flushed with dark purple, from late winter to early summer. Double, cream flowers, with grey flushing on the reverse, open from early spring

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream Grey Silver Green Purple
Summer Green Purple
Autumn
Winter Green Purple
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full or partial shade in moist, humus-rich soil. 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 division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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