About
Ranunculus gramineus, the grass-leaved buttercup, is a herbaceous perennial to 30 cm forming a clump of linear, grey-green basal leaves. Up to three bright, light-yellow, cup-shaped flowers 2 cm wide are borne on branched stems from mid-spring to early summer. A rewarding and ornamental buttercup for a sunny, well-drained border or rock garden.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toS Europe N Africa
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
CultivationEasily grown in a fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers as soon as ripe and placed in a cold frame, or divide mature plants in the spring or autumn
Pest resistanceSusceptible to slugs, snails and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds