Ranunculus
Common Names: Ranunculus, Persian Buttercup, Buttercup, Crowfoot
Botanical names: Ranunculus(rah-NUN-kew-lus)
Availability: January through May
Vase life: 3 to 7 days
Storage temperatures: 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: Small, showy, multi-petaled, bowl-shaped flowers, 1 to 4 inches across. Single and double blossoms on slender delicate stems, 10 to 20 inches long.
Color: White, yellow, orange, red and pink. Often with contrasting flower centers.
Botanical facts: The name is from the Latin word rana for frog, and unculus, meaning little. a reference to the fact that many wild species were found in wet areas. Crowfoot is another name for ranunculus because of its claw-shaped tubers.
Design notes: These bright, beautiful blossoms add wonderful color to garden arrangements. Ranunculus are not fragrant.
Purchasing hints: Purchase tight flower heads, just showing color. Avoid weak, cooked stems.
Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be below the waterline. Cut stem ends with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: In the victorian era, these blooms were a symbol of charm and attractivenes.