January Flower Of The Month: Ranunculus
Family: Ranunculaceae
It’s a new year and our January Flower of the Month is Ranunculus! Commonly known as a buttercup, these popular wedding florals come in many shades, including pink, yellow, white, orange, red, and purple – perfect for any bouquet! Read below for the rundown on ranunculus, from care tips to fun facts!
Origin
Native To: While there are many different varieties of ranunculus, the Persian buttercup (or Ranunculus asiaticus) is native to Southwest Asia along the Mediterranean region. With its rose-like appearance and paper-thin petals, this variety is what most people think of for floral arrangements and bouquets.
In The Wild: These delicate blooms can be found near ponds and along streams. Because ranunculus grows near these bodies of water, it’s been dubbed the Latin word for “little frog.”
Ranunculus Care
When receiving ranunculus, be gentle moving them to a vase as they have delicate petals and hollow stems that can be crushed easily. This fragile flower can last 7 to 10 days in a vase with a low water level. Replace the water every other day. Keep these blooms in a cool, shady spot in your home, and enjoy!
Growing in your garden:
Plant these cool-season perennials in fall or late winter and expect them to blossom in spring. Give your ranunculus corms space to grow, about 4 to 6 inches apart, since each can produce several flowers. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil as the corms and roots are prone to root rot. While these gentle florals love full sun and bright light, they prefer cooler environments, so be sure to protect them during the hottest part of the day.
Symbolism and Fun Facts
Ranunculus symbolize charm and attraction. Gift these blooms to your crush or loved one.
They were first introduced to Europe in the 16th century during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, along with tulips and anemones!
The name Ranunculus is the combination of two Latin words ‘Rana’ (meaning frog) and ‘unculus’ (meaning little).
There are over 1,800 different species in the Ranunculaceae family, so florals like the Persian buttercup, bulbous buttercup, and meadow buttercup are all related!
Ranunculus are toxic to both humans and animals when eaten, so be sure to keep them from curious children and fur friends!
Most varieties of ranunculus are not scented, so they are perfect for friends or family with allergies.
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