Buttercup is more than a cough syrup or a yellow meadow flower!

With their many-petals and peony-like flowers, Ranunculus asiaticus tubers make delightful additions to border or container plantings. They are also highly valued as long-lasting cut flowers. Early spring plantings will produce summer flowers or they can be planted in autumn to flower in early spring.

• Ranunculus ficaria enjoy a warm, sunny position, in soil which remains moist during the growing period.
• Also known as Persian buttercups they grow 12-15 inches tall.
• Like many bulbs and corms they will rot if the ground is waterlogged.
• Allow to dry and rest after flowering.
• In cold areas they may be best started in pots under cover.

Mixtures and deep purple corms are available from Thompson Morgan.

There are many varieties of Buttercup worth growing. Some of the species suit the Alpine garden or cold frame. and I particularly like the small white Ranunculus seguieri and Ranunculus calandrinioides above.

Ranunculus in Alpine House Hortoris