Fig buttercup
Ranunculus ficaria · Ranunculaceae
📷 Andreas Eichler · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around fig buttercup and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Lesser celandine, Pilewort
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- February to April
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe and Asia
- Soil type
- Moist, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Lesser celandine appreciates constantly moist soil, particularly during its growth and flowering phases. Water regularly in spring, without allowing standing water that could promote rot. In summer, after summer dormancy, reduce watering.
Exposure
Plant lesser celandine in part shade or light shade to recreate its natural woodland conditions. It tolerates full sun in cool, humid climates, but prefers a sheltered location away from too-direct rays in summer.
Pruning and tidying
No pruning is necessary. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after spring flowering. You can remove dead leaves to keep the space tidy and prevent the buildup of stagnant moisture.
Soil and planting
Prepare rich, well-drained yet moist soil, enriched with compost or potting soil. Lesser celandine thrives in slightly chalky or neutral soil. Plant tubers in autumn, 5-10 cm deep, in groups to create pockets of color.
Fertilizing
A moderate application of well-decomposed compost in autumn is sufficient. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers that promote foliage at the expense of flowers. A balanced fertilizer in spring can support flowering.
Diseases and pests
Lesser celandine is generally robust and rarely susceptible to disease. Watch for powdery mildew in conditions that are too dry or in stagnant humidity. Slugs can damage young leaves; mulching or natural barriers help control them.
Did you know?
Lesser celandine was once a popular remedy in traditional herbalism, hence its Latin name ficaria (from the Latin ficus, fig), its tubers resembling little figs. The bright yellow flowers represent one of the first signs of spring in European woodlands, often appearing before the snow has completely melted.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.