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Ranunculus asiaticus

Persian buttercup

Ranunculaceae

Eastern Mediterranean, southwestern Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

Watermoderate

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Ranunculus asiaticus is the Persian buttercup, growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) wide. Rose-like layered flowers 3–5 inches (7–13 cm) with tissue-thin petals arranged in concentric whorls, in red, pink, orange, yellow, white, and bicolor — each flower can contain 50–60+ petals. Grows from a claw-shaped tuberous root (resembling a dried octopus or talon) planted 2 inches (5 cm) deep with the claws pointing downward. Soak the dried claws in room-temperature water for 3–4 hours before planting to rehydrate. A cool-season bloomer: performs in temperatures of 45–65°F (7–18°C) and goes dormant in summer heat above 75°F (24°C). In mild climates (zones 8–11), plant claws in fall for late-winter to spring bloom. In cold climates (zones below 8), plant in early spring for spring bloom, or grow in a cool greenhouse. The entire plant contains protoanemonin — toxic to dogs, cats, and humans, causing gastrointestinal irritation and skin blistering on contact with crushed plant tissue. Deer-resistant. Widely used as a cut flower — stems last 7–10 days in a vase. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and southwestern Asia. Full sun in cool temperatures. Well-draining soil — the tuberous roots rot in waterlogged winter soil. Aphids. Botrytis in humid conditions. Growth rate is fast from the tuberous root. Containers of 2+ gallons (8+ liters).

Native Range

Native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia (Turkey, Syria, Iran), growing in rocky meadows and disturbed areas.

Suggested Uses

Grown in borders, containers of 2+ gallons (8+ liters), and cutting gardens in full sun. Space 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Widely used as a cut flower (7–10 day vase life). Cool-season bloomer. All parts toxic. Deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by rose-like layered flowers with 50–60+ tissue-thin petals in concentric whorls on a compact plant with deeply divided fern-like foliage. Grows from a claw-shaped tuberous root. Cool-season bloomer that goes dormant in summer heat.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Winter Spring

Late winter to spring (February–May) in mild climates. 90–120 days from planting to bloom. Cool-season: performs at 45–65°F (7–18°C), goes dormant above 75°F (24°C). Each flower lasts 7–10 days; multiple flowers produced per plant.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Variable: red, pink, orange, yellow, white, bicolor; layered petals

Foliage Description

Medium green, deeply divided, fern-like

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

90-120 days from claw planting to bloom

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun in cool temperatures. Well-draining soil — tuberous roots rot in wet winter soil. Soak claws 3–4 hours before planting. Cool-season bloomer — dormant in summer heat. All parts toxic (protoanemonin). Deer-resistant. Aphids. Botrytis in humidity. Zones 8–11 (fall planting); zones below 8 (spring planting or cool greenhouse).

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems for continued bloom. Leave foliage until it yellows and collapses (summer dormancy). In mild zones, the tuberous roots can remain in the ground if the soil is dry in summer. In wet-summer zones, dig and store dry at 50–60°F (10–16°C).

Pruning Schedule

summer