Ranunculus asiaticus is the most common form of this flowering bulb, however Ranunculus Ficaria ( Lesser Celandine) with its tiny rose like flowers will get just as much attention.
A mass planting of these wonderful flowering bulbs will certailnly gain attention.
A single bulb (actually its a corm) will give over a dozen flowers. Flowercolors range from whites to light pinks, apricots and reds. Flowering season is from spring to summer.
Care
Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian Buttercup) are a tender summer flowering perennial with very pretty flowers, they spread by underground corms or bulbs.
A sunny position is best in a humus rich well dug soil. R. asiaticas will reach 60cm and make a great cut flower. When planting remember that they require a cool root run, mulch is always a good idea, apply in early spring.
Very little care is required unless you wish to divide older clumps, this can be done in late winter.
Ranunculus Ficaria is a lower growing form and makes a great carpet in a woodland situation
Digging and overwintering
You can dig the bulbs and give them a clean, we do not usually wash ours, rather just brush the dirt off them and just let them dry, and then then give them another clean.
We store ours in a clean dry tray with good air circulation, in a cool dark corner of our garden shed. Some people use paper bags. Commercial growers do use fungicides, however we not worry about that.
Some growers suggest a month in the refrigerator before planting, but that depends where you live. Remember that they like a dry winter
Many species are regarded as Woodland Plants
Interested in Woodland Plants?
Woodland Plants in Australia
Ranunculus repens (creeping buttercup) is regarded as a weed
Ranunculus Bulbs are available for sale from the following suppliers
2 Jacksons Hill Rd, Menzies Creek VIC 3159
Hundreds of different varieties of daffodils as well as other beautiful spring & autumn flowering bulbs for home gardeners. Free colour catalogues available. Tulips, Daffodils,Alliums, Freesias, Iris and many other bulbs.
www.daffodilbulbs.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
365 Lighthouse Rd Wynyard. TAS 7325
PH 03 6442 2012
email to: [email protected]
www.vdqbulbs.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au