Overview
Ranunculus lyallii is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Ranunculus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ranunculus lyallii 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 lyallii (Mountain buttercup, Mount Cook buttercup, or, although not a lily, Mount Cook lily), is a species of Ranunculus (buttercup), endemic to New Zealand, where it occurs in the South Island and on Rakiura Stewart Island at altitudes of 700–1,500 m. R. lyallii is the largest species in the genus Ranunculus, growing over a metre in height. The species was discovered by David Lyall, (1817–1895), a noted Scottish botanist and doctor. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 60–100 cm tall (the largest species of buttercup), with a stout rhizome. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include 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 lyallii
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 lyallii 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 lyallii
- 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 lyallii?
Ranunculus lyallii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ranunculus lyallii need?
Ranunculus lyallii grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ranunculus lyallii hardy in the UK?
Ranunculus lyallii 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 lyallii?
Propagate by sowing seed in a cold frame but generally better result achieved with tubers.
More in the Ranunculus genus
- Ranunculus auricomusgoldilocks
- Ranunculus circinatusfan-leaved water crowfoot
- Ranunculus cortusifolius
- Ranunculus glacialisglacier crowfoot
- Ranunculus insignis
- Ranunculus montanus
- Ranunculus trichophyllusthread-leaved water crowfoot
- Ranunculus semi-verticillatus