Overview
Ranunculus cortusifolius is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Ranunculus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ranunculus cortusifolius grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and mediterranean climate plants.
About
Ranunculus cortusifolius, also known as the Azores buttercup or Canary buttercup, is a plant species in the genus Ranunculus, family Ranunculaceae, the buttercup or crowfoot family. It grows on moister sites throughout the Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands but is widely cultivated elsewhere as an ornamental. There are reports of it having become naturalized in parts of California. In the wild it grows across North America, Azores, Canary Is., Madeira, Corvo Island and other regions. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for city and courtyard gardens and mediterranean climate plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant after last frost in fertile soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ranunculus cortusifolius
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ranunculus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ranunculus cortusifolius size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ranunculus cortusifolius
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing seed in a cold frame but generally better result achieved with tubers
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildew and grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ranunculus cortusifolius?
Ranunculus cortusifolius prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ranunculus cortusifolius need?
Ranunculus cortusifolius grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ranunculus cortusifolius hardy in the UK?
Ranunculus cortusifolius has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Ranunculus cortusifolius?
Propagate by sowing seed in a cold frame but generally better result achieved with tubers.
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 bulbosus 'Pleniflorus'Bulbous Buttercup 'Pleniflorus'

- Ranunculus linguagreater spearwort
