Jason Hollinger / CC BY 2.0
Ranunculus
Ranunculus aconitifolius
Overview
Layer upon layer of tissue-paper-thin petals create some of the most exquisitely beautiful flowers in the garden — ranunculus blooms look like tiny, perfect roses. These cool-season bulbs are a mainstay of the cut flower industry, prized for their long vase life and romantic appeal. They bloom from fall-planted corms in mild climates or spring-started plants in colder zones.
Ranunculus aconitifolius, also known as the aconite-leaf buttercup or bachelor's buttons, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. Native to central Europe, this herbaceous perennial can grow up to 60 cm (24 inches) tall with a spread of 40 cm (16 inches). The plant forms slightly hairy palmate leaves that can reach lengths of up to 20 cm (8 inches).
In spring, R. aconitifolius produces loose panicles of white, saucer-shaped flowers. This species is known to form large colonies in moist environments such as mountains, meadows, and the edges of ditches and streams.
The Latin specific epithet aconitifolius refers to the plant's leaves resembling those of the related genus Aconitum, or monkshoods. One notable cultivar of R. aconitifolius is 'Flore Pleno', also known as fair maids of France or fair maids of Kent. This double-flowered variety has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Native Range
- also native to Austria, Czechia-Slovakia, France and 5 more regions
- Cultivation Region
- Temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Sowing & Propagation
Propagation Methods
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Pre-sprout corms in damp soil indoors; plant out after last frost; grow as annual |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jun — Jul | Papery layered petals; cut when buds are marshmallow-soft for 10+ day vase life |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant pre-sprouted corms after last frost; soak corms 4 hours before planting |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | May — Jul | Late spring/summer bloom; harvest frequently for more flowers |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Plant in fall for spring bloom; claw-like corms go points down |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Mar — May | Spring bloom from fall-planted corms |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Fall planting; blooms late winter/spring; excellent cut flower |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Feb — Apr | Late winter/spring bloom; prized cut flower |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in late fall; cool-season grower; dies in summer heat |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Jan — Mar | Winter bloom; fades when temps hit 80°F |
Uses
Other Uses
- Premier cut flower with rose-like layered petals
- Wedding and event floral design staple
- Cool-season container and bed planting
