Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian Buttercup)

Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian Buttercup) yellow flower and a smaller pale pink bud above foliage.

Botanical name: Ranunculus asiaticus

Common name: Persian Buttercup

Family: Ranunculaceae

Origin: Mediterannean Region

USDA Zone: 8-11

Cold tolerance: 25°F

Plant form: Small

Mature height: 2-5 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.

Watering: Regular

Flower color: Pink; white and off-white; red, crimson, vinous; yellow, orange

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Ranunculus asiaticus, commonly known as Persian Buttercup, is a tuberous perennial in the Ranunculaceae family native to the eastern Mediterranean region. It forms a low, clumping plant typically 10 to 18 inches tall with finely divided, parsley-like leaves. The flowers are large and densely layered, resembling small roses, and occur in a wide range of colors including white, yellow, orange, red, pink, and bi-color forms. Blooms appear in spring under favorable conditions and are widely used as cut flowers due to their long-lasting form.

This species prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with moderate moisture during active growth. Growth rate is moderate, with plants developing from planted tubers. It is hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11, where it can overwinter in the ground under mild conditions. In colder climates below Zones 7 to 8, it does not survive winter outdoors and is grown as an annual or lifted and stored. Tubers may be damaged at temperatures around 25F. Ranunculus asiaticus performs well in garden beds, borders, and containers.