About
Ranunculus asiaticus, the Persian buttercup, is a tuberous perennial producing long-stalked, deeply lobed leaves and branched flowering stems bearing one to four, single, cup-shaped flowers in red, pink, yellow or white with black centres from late spring to early summer. A beautiful and widely grown ornamental for a sunny, well-drained border or container.
About the genus
Ranunculus are annuals, biennials and perennials with variable, often palmately lobed or dissected leaves and bowl-shaped, usually shiny-petalled flowers in yellow, white, orange or red. A diverse and widely cultivated genus for borders, meadows and water features.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Native toS Europe, SW Asia
ToxicityHarmful 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
CultivationRequires 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or divide in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews