About
Ranunculus repens, the creeping buttercup, is a hairy, spreading, native wildflower that roots at stem nodes and rapidly colonises moist ground. Three-lobed, hairy, dark-green leaves often with white markings and glossy, five-petalled, golden-yellow flowers are produced in summer. A charming wildflower for naturalising in a moist, sunny meadow.
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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurasia
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
CultivationNaturally occurs in damp grassland, but also turns up in gardens, and is a valuable wildlife plant tolerating both wet and dry conditions. See creeping buttercup for more information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or plant division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds