Ranunculus polyanthemos
Ranunculus polyanthemos · Ranunculaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant ranunculus polyanthemos: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to June
- Adult size
- 30 to 50 cm in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Central and Southern Europe
- Soil type
- Fresh, well-drained, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the growing period (spring-summer). Reduce watering after flowering. In case of prolonged drought, water regularly to support flowering.
Light exposure
Plant this buttercup in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates partial shade well and flowers generously there, particularly in warm regions. An open location promotes better air circulation.
Soil preparation
Enrich the soil with compost or peat to improve moisture retention. Ensure good drainage to prevent rhizome rot. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal.
Pruning and cleanup
Remove spent flowers to prolong flowering and encourage new blooms. After foliage wilts in late summer, clean up the clump by removing dry parts.
Fertilization
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer in spring when vegetation starts. Moderate application is sufficient; excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Disease prevention
Watch for powdery mildew in warm, humid weather: ensure good air circulation around the clump and avoid wetting the foliage. Slugs and snails enjoy young shoots; aerated mulch and regular removal of debris limit damage.
Did you know?
Ranunculus polyanthemos, the Meadow Buttercup, bears the scientific name 'polyanthemos' which means 'with many flowers' in reference to its generous flowering. Once used in traditional European medicine, this wild species was associated with mountain meadows and remains a wildflower highly appreciated by naturalistic gardeners for creating wild and welcoming settings for pollinators.
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.