Glacier buttercup
Ranunculus glacialis · Ranunculaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant glacier buttercup: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- July to September
- Adult size
- 5 to 15 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -30 °C)
- Origin
- Alps and mountain ranges of Europe
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rocky, poor
Care
Exposure
Plant your glacier buttercup in full sun to encourage generous flowering. It tolerates windy and exposed spots, typical of high altitudes. Avoid prolonged shade, which would slow its growth.
Soil and substrate
Plant in mineral, well-draining soil, preferably rocky or stony, poor in organic matter. This plant fears excessive winter moisture: improve drainage with gravel or sand if necessary. Neutral to slightly acidic pH is ideal.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring and early summer), without allowing water to stagnate. Reduce watering in autumn and let the plant dry out more in winter. Natural rainfall is often sufficient in mountainous areas.
Fertiliser
This alpine species prefers poor soil: no fertiliser is necessary. Excessive organic matter or nitrogen can promote rot and reduce hardiness. Let it adapt to its natural environment naturally.
Deadheading and pruning
Remove spent flowers to extend flowering and maintain a neat compact shape. In late autumn, remove dead parts after the first frost. Light cleaning is enough; this plant regenerates itself naturally in spring.
Diseases and pests
Glacier buttercup is naturally resistant to diseases thanks to its cold, dry origin environment. Watch for root rot in case of stagnant moisture. No major pests are reported on this species.
Overwintering
No winter protection is necessary; this plant resists extreme cold. In very humid regions, mulch lightly with gravel to improve drainage and reduce the risk of crown rot.
Did you know?
Glacier buttercup grows in such extreme zones that it colonises bare rocks of glaciers and alpine moraines up to 4,000 metres altitude. Its scientific name 'glacialis' is not mere poetry: this species is so closely associated with high glaciated slopes that it ranks among the rare flowering plants inhabiting permanent snow patches. Its tiny white to pale pink flowers, often dotted with pink or red petals, are a botanical victory of life against the cold.
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.