Declare yourself a plant and flower advocate and are constantly on the view of what beautiful flowers you could use around your house, or even include as part of your garden. Ranunculus, also known as 'buttercup', has quickly escalated to become one of the world's favorite flowers, potted and garden plants, overflowing the flower world with positive reactions.
Ranunculus - Overview and Everything You Need to Know About Them
Ranunculus flowers are beloved for their brilliantly colored and ruffled petals, tall stems, and long vase life. The ranunculus is a bulbous perennial appreciated by gardeners and flower aficionados all over the world mainly because of its distinctive shape and awe-looking beauty. They can look stunning in both flower arrangements and gardens, giving you the best of both worlds.
Typically, the leaves of ranunculus have alternate palmately lobed or split shapes. Although yellow is the most common color for the thimble-shaped, April-blooming, frequently glossy flowers, cultivars have been developed with a variety of other colors, including orange, pink, red, and white.
Some species can be a little weedy in disturbed situations because the blooms give way to a head of tiny, dry achenes. However, they provide food for hummingbirds and are excellent pollination plants. Think about utilizing them for fresh-cut flower arrangements or to rock a full-on colorful garden.
The Origin of Ranunculus
The Ranunculus asiaticus, also known as the Persian buttercup, is a popular and valued flower. It is a perennial herb belonging to the family, Ranunculaceae. The flower originally comes from the Mediterranean and southwest Asia. How impressive is it that it is resistant to temperatures up to -10° C?
This buttercup flower belongs to the genus ranunculus, comprising about 400 species. Did you know that the word 'ranunculus' is derived from the Latin word ‘rana,’ meaning 'little frog', which makes reference to its natural habitat?
The Symbolism of the Ranunculus
Ranunculus symbolizes seduction, charm, and beauty according to the language of flowers. The flower is taken as a praise that screams, "You are charming," loud and clear. A bouquet of crimson ranunculus, for instance, demonstrates physical desire. A pink ranunculus bouquet, however, denotes a combination of attractiveness and fear.
On the other hand, the ranunculus is also a symbol of divinity or a way of saying to someone how brilliant and attractive they are. Whatever color you want to give to that special someone, just remember that ranunculus flowers have a way of always expressing how divine and dazzling someone is. It is clearly a flower that can easily steal the real deal when it comes to feelings.
How to Care for Ranunculus in Your Garden
We know the beauty that ranunculus adds to every single space and view of every person who sees them, and for this reason, we want to give you the best care tips so they can keep you company for a longer time in your garden or on your patio. Blooming along with your (potted) plants is definitely a moment you'll love! Here are some of the best tips.
1. Keep Them Moist
Keep mature ranunculus moist but not wet. Allow them to fully dry out between waterings.
2. Fertilize Ranunculus Flowers Bimonthly
Using liquid plant food twice a month will help the plants produce more flowers and extend their life.
3. Deadhead Spent Blooms
Once your ranunculus is blooming, you'll want to deadhead them or remove the dead flowers. Deadheading will help the plants maximize their growth.
4. Stop Watering in the Fall
When the warmer months come to an end, ranunculus' leaves will start to turn yellow and thin out. Stop watering your plants so the bulbs can dry out and you can store them for next season.
5. Cut Ranunculus Before They’ve Unfurled
Ranunculus have an impressive vase life, often lasting longer than 12 days if you want to use them in a flower arrangement. For the longest vase life, cut the flowers when they're soft and vibrant but have yet to unfurl. If you cannot cut them before they unfurl, they will likely last about a week in a vase. Be careful when transporting them, as their petals are very fragile once opened.
Can You Dry Ranunculus Flowers?
The answer is...YES! Despite being very delicate, ranunculus won't wilt when it dries according to floral professionals. The delicate petals surrounding the core of the ranunculus will remain erect as it dries, and the colors will diminish into a lighter tone. Some even recommend using ranunculus in wreaths, where you should soak it in water for approximately a week before hanging it upside down to dry. The dried ranunculus flower result is an absolute stunner.
Ranunculus Although Very Beautiful Are Toxic to Pets and Humans
All ranunculus species are lethal to both animals and people. When buttercup leaves are broken or bruised, they emit a substance called ranunculin, which decomposes into a pungent, poisonous oil known as protoanemonin. The effects of protoanemonin contact are similar to those of dermatitis, including burning, itching, rash, and blisters.
Animals or people who chew the leaves may get facial and lip sores. The poisonous oil is a significant irritant to the eyes. If you consume any buttercups, you risk experiencing a variety of unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, and even paralysis.
Just be aware and keep them away from your children and pets, but having ranunculus around is an irrevocable must. Try adding a few colors whether you want them in your garden or in a floral arrangement, but colors like orange, yellow, pink, and white make an exquisite combo.
