Overview
Ranunculus aconitifolius is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Ranunculus, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall. Ranunculus aconitifolius grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and naturalizing. It is native to Europe.
About the genus
Ranunculus is a large genus of about 1750 species of flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae. Members of the genus are known as buttercups, spearworts and water crowfoots.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ranunculus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ranunculus
In the garden
Ranunculus aconitifolius is a herbaceous perennial from Europe that flowers in spring between April and June; plants reach roughly 0.6 metres tall. It favours positions that remain moist but drain reasonably well and suits either full sun or a shadier, dappled aspect. In UK terms it carries an H7 rating, meaning it is fully hardy and can be left in the ground through winter in a wide range of gardens. Choose a site where the soil does not dry out completely; consistently moist, well-drained soil helps maintain flowering and vigour. Although it will accept full sun, partial shade is useful where soils are lighter or prone to drying. The plant is commonly used in borders, woodland gardens and for naturalising wetter parts of a lawn or meadow rather than dry, exposed beds. Handle the plant with care: it is harmful if eaten and a skin irritant, so wear gloves and suitable protection when planting, dividing or dead-heading. Pets are also at risk if they ingest foliage, and growers should consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further contact information. Expect a reliable display of white spring flowers between April and June at about 0.6 metres high.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ranunculus
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained soil
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Ranunculus aconitifolius size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 0.6 metres
- Suggested uses
- borders, woodland gardens, naturalizing
- Native to
- Europe
- Toxicity
- 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ranunculus aconitifolius
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; avoid dry conditions; mulch in winter
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage tidy appearance; cut back foliage after flowering
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed sown in spring
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ranunculus aconitifolius?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; avoid dry conditions; mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Ranunculus aconitifolius?
Ranunculus aconitifolius prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Ranunculus aconitifolius need?
Ranunculus aconitifolius grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Ranunculus aconitifolius?
Remove spent flowers to encourage tidy appearance; cut back foliage after flowering.
How big does Ranunculus aconitifolius grow?
Ranunculus aconitifolius reaches a height of 0.6 metres.
Is Ranunculus aconitifolius hardy in the UK?
Ranunculus aconitifolius has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Ranunculus aconitifolius?
Division in spring or autumn; seed sown in spring.
Is Ranunculus aconitifolius toxic?
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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Ranunculus genus
- Ranunculus aconitifolius 'Flore Pleno'Bachelor's Button
- Ranunculus acris 'Flore Pleno'Buttercup
- Ranunculus acris 'Stevenii'Buttercup
- Ranunculus acris multiplexmeadow buttercup
- Ranunculus bulbosus 'F. M. Burton'Bulbous Buttercup
- Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus'Bulbous Buttercup 'Pleniflorus'
- Ranunculus linguagreater spearwort
- Ranunculus platanifolius ('Grandiflorus')large white buttercup
