Common Name: buttercup, Persian buttercup
Botanical Names: Ranunculus
Origin: Middle East
Colours: White, yellow, pink, peach, red, copper and purple
The Ranunculus is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. There are about 400 species of Ranunculus in the wild which include the buttercup. The only species used commercially by florists is Ranunculus Asiaticus, it has many petals and a ruffly appearance. Most of the other species are single petalled varieties that look similar to common buttercups.
Ranunculus comes from the Latin ‘Rana’ which means frog. This is because in the wild they live near water and marshlands like frogs. They are grown from corms and are also popular as garden plants due to the many colours they are available in and their hardiness.
They are available in winter and spring and grow to about 60cm. They are a great flower to add colour to spring bouquets and arrangements as they come in so many bright colours. They last well with a vase life of 10 to 14 days, which is very good for a spring flower, especially since they are cut at a mature stage when they are showing colour.
They also come in beautiful soft pastel shades such as soft peach and pink. These are popular in wedding bouquets for their romantic quality and perfect compact shape.
