About
Ranunculus weberbaueri, Weberbauer's buttercup, is a rosette-forming perennial to 15 cm producing thick, rounded, glossy, mid-green leaves. Solitary, spherical, glossy buds atop stout, upright stems open to reveal red, yellow or fresh-green petals around a central green boss ringed by deep-yellow stamens in spring. A beautiful and unusual Andean buttercup for a sunny, well-drained alpine position.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio 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
CultivationGrow in deep, terracotta pots to accommodate the large root system, in peat-free, loam-based compost with added grit, in a cold frame or alpine house protected from excess cold and wet in winter, and shaded from hot summer sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, greenhouse red spider mite and leaf miners
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds