Ranunculus asiaticus

Sunset

Ranunculus asiaticus

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Zones 4-9, 12-30

Full

Moderate

Persian Ranunculus, Turban Ranunculus.
Ranunculaceae
Annuals, Bulbs and bulblike plants, Perennials

RANUNCULUS

This very large genus comprises about 250 species of widely different habit and appearance, but the species listed here are most commonly grown in gardens.

Ranunculus asiaticus

Native to Asia Minor. Tuberous-rooted plant to 1 1/2 –2 ft. tall and wide, with fresh green, almost fernlike leaves. Blooms profusely in spring,when each flowering stalk bears one to four 3–5-in.-wide, semidouble to fully double blossoms that some say resemble small peony blooms. Flowers come in white, cream, and many shades of yellow, orange, red, pink. Popular Tecolote Giant strain is available in single colors, mixed colors, and picotees. Bloomingdale strain offers the same variety on dwarf plants 8–10 in. high. All types are good in the ground or in pots. Tubers are hardy to 10F/-12 C. Beyond hardiness range treat as annual, planting as soon as the ground can be worked in spring.