About

This tuberous perennial with long stalked, deeply lobed darl green leaves and branched flowers stems with one to four double deep purple double flowers in spring and early summer.

About the genus

Ranunculus can be annuals, biennials, evergreen or herbaceous perennials, with rhizomes, tubers or spreading by runners. The leaves are variable but often palmately lobed or dissected and the flowers usually bowl-shaped

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
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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 a mix of equal parts of loam, leaf mould and grit under unheated glass in winter with good light and ventilation
PruningRemove spent flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a cold frame as soon as ripe but more consistant result are obtained using tubers
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildew and grey moulds