RANUNCULUS

Pronounced ran-UN-kew-lus. The Latin name ranunculus means "little frog". They originated in the The Middle East, hence their alternative name "Turban Buttercup".

The intricate flowers of Ranunculus create a spectacular display, especially when grown en masse. Many spring flowers provide colour, but the palette is mostly limited to blue, yellow, or muted tones of other shades. This cannnot be said of the rannunculas, they have a wonderful array of colours, yellow, white, red, pink, orange, and and copper, either peony flowered or open flowered, with dark or yellow centres.

Ranunculus belong to the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and is the cultured cousin of the Marsh Marigold. They are derived from a species native to southwest Asia and southeast Europe, where summers are dry and hot but springs are cool and moist. They flower in winter and spring.

Remove all foliage, recut stems and change water regularly. The stems are inclined to buckle. If you don't want them curvy, insert a flower wire to keep them upright.

In fairy tales frogs are apt to change into princes and it was an Asian prince in just such a story who gave his name to this flower, which grows naturally in swampy ground. The prince was so good-looking that he was loved by everyone. He also had a beautiful voice but this was his undoing. He loved the open country and sang delightful songs in the presence of nymphs. He did not have the courage to declare his love to them and this haunted him so much that he died. After his death he was changed into the flower with delicate tissuey petals which bears his name.

The ranuculus meant "you are rich in attractions" to the Victorians.