Ranunculus Radiates Charm

Ranunculus asiaticus

Symbolizes radiant charm and can convey a message that you are radiant with charm or you are attractive.

Ranunculus is a large genus of about 600 species of plants in the Ranunculaceae family. Members of this genus include the buttercup, spearworts & water crowfoots.

Ranunculus is native to the eastern region of the Mediterranean. The name Ranunculus comes from rana, which is Latin for frog, and refers to the wet boggy places where these plants are found in the wild. Ranunculus is considered a cool crop. Once temperatures rise above 16 C, production drops.

Usually available in bright yellow or white there are a few species that have orange or red flowers as well. All Ranunculus species are poisonous if eaten by livestock or horses, but their bitter taste makes them unpalatable so it’s usually not a problem.

As a cut flower Ranunculus should be kept upright or they will bend. If Ranunculus should go limp, you can wrap them in damp newspaper, re-cut and allow them to stand upright for several hours in warm water and preservative. Typical vase life is 6 to 10 days.

A Ranunculus can last over a week, making them an ideal choice for a bride’s bouquet or a wedding centerpiece.  Even after the petals fall from a Ranunculus outside, it is very amusing to watch the fuzzy black center continue to elongate!