Overview
Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' is a perennial herb in the genus Ranunculus, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. 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 bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' is a European perennial herb that comes into flower in spring, with a defined season from April to June. Mature plants remain low to the ground at roughly 0.3 m, making them a spring-flowering component rather than a tall structural element in the border. Site selection should favour full sun and soils that may be sandy, loamy or clay, provided they retain moisture without waterlogging. Aim for a free-draining position that still holds some moisture through the season; the plant does not tolerate prolonged drought or standing water. Given its modest height, plant spacing can be relatively close to form a low cover during its flowering period. In UK gardens place Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' where spring flowering at low height is useful — for example at the front of a sunny mixed border or in a gravel bed with seasonal interest. Keep it away from grazing stock and pets during the growing season because the fresh plant material is toxic to livestock if eaten. Observing these siting and soil guidelines will help the plant perform within its April–June flowering window.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ranunculus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
Plant details
Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Native to
- Europe
- Toxicity
- Toxic to livestock if ingested fresh
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus'?
Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' prefers full sun.
What soil does Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' need?
Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' grow?
Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Ranunculus bulbosus 'Pleniflorus' toxic?
Toxic to livestock if ingested fresh.
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 aconitifoliusfair maids of France

- 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 linguagreater spearwort

- Ranunculus platanifolius ('Grandiflorus')large white buttercup