Spearwort
Ranunculus flammula · Ranunculaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant spearwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Mature size
- 20 to 40 cm height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zones 2-9)
- Origin
- Europe, Northern Asia
Care
Watering
Meadow buttercup thrives in moist and marshy environments. Keep the soil consistently moist, even slightly flooded during the growing season. In containers, water regularly without letting the soil dry out between waterings. Reduce watering slightly in winter.
Light Exposure
Place meadow buttercup in full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. It tolerates light shade well, especially in warm climates. Bright light promotes dense foliage and abundant golden-yellow flowers.
Soil Type
Prefer rich, organic soil that stays moist, ideally acidic to neutral. This plant thrives at the edges of water features, in water retention areas, or in peaty soils. Enrich the substrate with well-decomposed potting soil or compost.
Fertilizer and Amendments
Moderate balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. In naturally fertile conditions, no fertilizer is necessary. Favor organic amendments (compost, peat) to maintain soil moisture and fertility.
Pruning and Cutting
Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. In late autumn, cut the plant back to about 5 cm above ground after foliage dries. This autumn cleanup prevents disease and revitalizes spring growth.
Pests and Diseases
Meadow buttercup is generally robust in ideal moist conditions. In overly dry soil, it may be susceptible to spider mite infestations. Prolonged excessive moisture promotes root rot and mold; ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Did you know?
Meadow buttercup gets its vernacular name from 'douve,' designating the water-filled moats of medieval castles. It naturally grows in these humid environments and long accompanied medieval structures. Its botanically close relative, Ranunculus acris, was once used in folk medicine, though the Ranunculaceae family is generally irritating and should be handled with caution.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Stinking helleboreHelleborus foetidus
- Meadow rueThalictrum aquilegiifolium
- Christmas roseHelleborus niger
- Grecian windflowerAnemone blanda
- Lenten roseHelleborus orientalis
- Hubei AnemoneEriocapitella hupehensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.