Persian Buttercup Ranunculus hybrids

Ranunculus, or Persion Buttercup, is a perennial, tuberous-rooted, bulb plant in the buttercup family, sometimes grown as an annual and native to most parts of the world. It blooms in late spring to early summer producing cup-shaped, poppy-like flowers in a variety of colors. There are more than 1700 species of Ranunculus and from these a number of hybrids, or offspring from a cross between different species, have been developed with traits that include different flower sizes and a broad range of colors including pastels and bicolored blooms. The genus name comes from the Latin word for frog because it is often found in damp places.

Most Ranunculus hybrids do best in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun, with excellent drainage. They do not tolerate heavy clay soils and are semi-hardy (incurring injury at temperatures below 28 degrees F.

You typically plant tubers 2 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart, with root claws down, several weeks before the last frost date. Or tubers can be started indoors and planted outside in spring, before the onset of hot summer weather. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms. These plants do best in cool spring weather and will go dormant in summer. 

To save spent plants for next season, dig up the tubers, cut off the tops, and store them in a dry, cool location. Because these plants are inexpensive, it may be simpler to grow these plants as annuals or grow in containers.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Root rot can occur in wet, poorly drained soils.