Gardener's Guide to Persian Buttercup - Care, Flowers, Varieties
Persian buttercup is a unique annual, sun-loving plant. Because of its attractive appearance, it's a common pick among gardeners – especially because taking care of it is not a big challenge. Are you wondering what the best location for Persian buttercup flowers is? Learn everything you should know about this plant.
Persian buttercup – what kind of plant is it?
Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus) is an annual plant which grows naturally in the Mediterranean region. According to the classification, it belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).
This plant of exotic name is not difficult to grow, even in slightly sandy soils. What’s important, it needs a lot of sunlight. If provided with plenty, it develops attractive flowers.
What does Persian buttercup look like?
Persian buttercup is a short plant. Typically, it reaches up to 25-35 cm (9-14 in). It has characteristic leaves. They are wide and feathery. The plant develops a lot of them.
Persian buttercup flowers are full and look very impressive. Their insides are filled with overlapping petals. The central point contains stamens. The flowers come in various colors:
- white,
- red,
- orange,
- pink,
- yellow.
When do Persian buttercup flowers bloom?
Ranunculus asiaticus is not a long-blooming plant. Depending on the weather conditions and temperature, Persian buttercup can start blooming at the beginning of May. The beautiful flowers last until the end of June – especially if the soil is rich, and the location sunny.
Persian buttercups grown in pots are an exception regarding blooming time. Such plants can bloom even several months earlier. Flowers may appear as early as February.
What to do with Persian buttercup after blooming?
Persian buttercup is an annual plant, which means it requires special treatment after it finishes blooming. The bulbs can be left in the ground until all the leaves wither, and then you can dig them out.
The next step involves cleaning the bulbs and securing them against low temperatures. You can do it by putting them in a dish filled with peat. The container should be stored in a basement or a utility room.
What is the best soil and location for Persian buttercup flowers?
Although Persian buttercup is not difficult in cultivation and doesn’t need special care, it’s worth providing it with good growing conditions. The plant loves sunny locations, so make sure it’s not obscured by any shrubs growing in the garden.
The soil is quite significant factor impacting Persian buttercup’s growth. Rich and moderately moist soil is the best option. If you picked a location with soil of worse quality, consider using fertilizer. Thanks to this, buttercups can receive necessary nutrients.
How often to water Persian buttercups?
Persian buttercup can be demanding when it comes to watering, mostly because it doesn’t like neither too dry soil nor too much moisture. For this reason, make sure to water it regularly – more frequently, but less intensely. The best practice is checking routinely whether the soil is slightly damp all the time.
The frequency of watering changes depending on weather conditions. If the temperatures are high, water your Persian buttercups every day.
Persian buttercup – stunning varieties
Persian buttercup appears in many varieties. They have different colors, although the shape of their flowers might also differ. The most popular varieties of Persian buttercup include:
- Pon Pon Malva
- Mache Rose
- Mache Purple
- Mache Orange
- Aazur Red
- Aviv White
- Elegance Orange
- Elegance Yellow
- Elegance White
Persian buttercup Pon Pon Malva is definitely the most impressive one. Its flowers are slightly jagged, pink with brighter color on the inside. The variety is typically used in bouquets and beautiful flower arrangements, e.g., for Boho style weddings. These flowers look amazing with dried pampas grass.
Persian buttercup – diseases and pests
Persian buttercup is not the strongest plant regarding resistance to diseases. It means even a singular instance of overwatering might end up badly. It makes it vulnerable to various fungal diseases. Powdery mildew and grey mold, well-known to gardeners, are the most common issues.
The plant’s resistance to pests is not the best, either. It means that its beautiful leaves might get attacked by aphids, thrips and other insects.
Preventive measures make the most important treatment. Use various sprays to prevent the danger from appearing. Certain products will also strengthen your Persian buttercups.
📍 How to plant Persian buttercup bulbs?
Persian buttercup bulbs need to be prepared before planting. They need to be soaked in a dish filled with lukewarm water for a few hours, and then treated with an antifungal product. Next, put them about 5-6 cm deep in soil and water them. A sunny location with fertile soil is recommended.
📍 When can you plant Persian buttercup?
Plan planting your Persian buttercups for April or the beginning of May. A lot depends on the weather conditions. If there are frosts in April, it's better to delay the process.
📍 How to properly plant Persian buttercups?
Plant the buttercups in fertile soil and sunny location. Make sure to prepare the bulbs and remember about the recommended dates. When planting several bulbs, keep enough space between them – at least 15 cm.
📍 When does Persian buttercup bloom?
Blooming of Persian buttercup flowers greatly depends on when they are planted. Plants planted in April bloom in May. If you delay planting until May, expect blooming in June. Flowers grown in pots are the only exception – they begin blooming at the very beginning of spring.
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