Flowers and Plants
Gardening Guides
Grow Papery Ranunculus Blooms for Cheery Garden Charm
Plant these warm-weather bulbs in fall or spring for flowers in spring or summer
It may take a second glance to realize that ranunculus flowers are real, given their resemblance to the paper flowers that children make. It’s even more amazing to realize these beauties come from tuberous roots that resemble a clod of dirt with prongs or tentacles growing from it. Persian ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus), the most familiar of the many ranunculus species, is real and is a good plant to include to add a bit of whimsy to your spring flower beds and containers.
Benefits and tolerances: Known for showy blooms; prefers warm-winter climates, where it can be a substitute for chill-loving bulbs such as tulips; surprisingly long-lasting cut flowers, especially if you cut them before the buds fully open
When to plant: In regions with warm-winter climates, plant in October or November; the earlier you plant, the earlier it will bloom. For cold-winter climates, wait until the danger of frost has passed, in spring for late spring, for summer blooms; you can also start plants indoors about four to six weeks before the last frost date.
When to plant: In regions with warm-winter climates, plant in October or November; the earlier you plant, the earlier it will bloom. For cold-winter climates, wait until the danger of frost has passed, in spring for late spring, for summer blooms; you can also start plants indoors about four to six weeks before the last frost date.
Distinguishing traits. Persian ranunculus has ruffled round flowers set on stems among grass-green, fern-like leaves. Each flower stalk bears up to four semidouble or fully double flowers in shades of white, cream, yellow, orange, pink or red. The blooms resemble miniature peonies or camellias. The Tecolote Giant strain is a popular choice in nurseries and garden centers.
How to use it. Mix plants into flower beds and borders as bright accents or mass for effect or to form drifts of color. Ranunculus also does well in containers and bouquets.
Planting notes. Choose a spot in full sun with well-drained soil that’s been amended with plenty of organic matter. If you have clay soil, your best option may be to use raised beds or containers.
Set the roots 2 inches deep (1 inch deep if planting in a raised bed), with the prongs down. Space smaller roots 4 to 6 inches apart and jumbo roots 8 to 12 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting.
Set the roots 2 inches deep (1 inch deep if planting in a raised bed), with the prongs down. Space smaller roots 4 to 6 inches apart and jumbo roots 8 to 12 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting.
Growing notes. Wait until shoots start to emerge before watering, then water regularly while the plants are growing and blooming. Continue watering regularly throughout the growing and blooming season. Stop watering when the foliage begins to yellow, and let it die back.
You’ll also need to protect the newly emerged shoots from birds — they love to eat them. You can cover the shoots with bird netting or chicken wire.
If you live in an area with no summer rain and warm winters, you can leave the roots in the ground. However, most gardeners dig them up after bloom to replant in the fall or the next spring. If you take this approach, wait until the foliage turns yellow before digging up the roots. Cut off the foliage and let the roots dry for one to two weeks, then store them in a cool, covered location.
Deadhead blooms to keep flower production going as long as possible. Another option is to cut them for indoor use.
You’ll also need to protect the newly emerged shoots from birds — they love to eat them. You can cover the shoots with bird netting or chicken wire.
If you live in an area with no summer rain and warm winters, you can leave the roots in the ground. However, most gardeners dig them up after bloom to replant in the fall or the next spring. If you take this approach, wait until the foliage turns yellow before digging up the roots. Cut off the foliage and let the roots dry for one to two weeks, then store them in a cool, covered location.
Deadhead blooms to keep flower production going as long as possible. Another option is to cut them for indoor use.
Growing in containers. You can get repeat blooms of ranunculus in containers. Plant about 2 inches deep, and treat the plants as you would ones in the ground. Put pots in a cool, dry covered place during the winter in regions with cold-winter climates.
More: Read about other bulbs you can plant in your garden
More: Read about other bulbs you can plant in your garden
Common names: Ranunculus, Persian ranunculus
Origin: Asia Minor
Bloom season: March for fall-planted bulbs; late spring or summer for spring-planted bulbs
Mature size: 2 feet tall and wide with 3- to 5-inch-wide blooms
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 8 to 11; find your zone)
Water requirement: Regular when plants are growing and blooming
Light requirement: Full sun
Bulb type: Tuberous root
Fun fact: The larger the bulb, the more flowers you’ll get.