The Essential Guide To The Ranunculus
Botanical Name: Ranunculus asiaticus
Common Name: Ranunculus, Persian Buttercup
General Knowledge: The Ranunculus, with its lush, multi-petaled blooms, is originally from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. In Australia, the ranunculus is cherished for its use in wedding bouquets and spring floral arrangements, appreciated for its rose-like blossoms and a wide range of vivid colours. A fun fact about the ranunculus is that the name comes from the Latin 'rana', meaning frog, possibly referring to many species of this plant being found near water, akin to frogs.
Colour Range: The Ranunculus comes in a wide array of colours including white, lemon, yellow, apricot, orange, red, and pale to deep pink. The new Festival series even boasts unusual large green petals, surrounded by multi-coloured petals, providing a vibrant and unique option for floral arrangements.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Ranunculus are typically available in late winter to early spring in Australia. This makes them a popular choice for spring weddings and events.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Given their peak season in late winter to early spring, Ranunculus are perfect for Australian spring weddings, adding a burst of colour and a touch of elegance to any event.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, Ranunculus are commercially grown in Australia, ensuring local availability during their season.
Buying Tips: Look for flowers that have started to open but where the petals have not yet separated from the centre. Ensure the stems are firm and the flowers are vibrant in colour.
Design Tips and Advice: Ranunculus work well as either transitional or focal flowers in arrangements. Their unique shape and variety of colours make them suitable for a wide range of floral designs. They are particularly popular in vase arrangements and hand-tied natural-stem bouquets. When using them in wedding designs, consider pairing them with other spring flowers or foliage to provide physical support due to their naturally bent and hollow stems.
Flower Maturity: Purchase when the blooms are just starting to open.
Expected Vase Life: Ranunculus typically have a vase life of up to 7 days, depending on the care they receive.
Typical Stem Length: They feature stems that range from 25–50 cm in length.
Typical Bunch Size: The number of stems per bunch can vary significantly.
Floral Preservatives: Yes, use floral preservatives and flower food to extend their vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Yes, Ranunculus are variably sensitive to ethylene, which can cause premature wilting and petal drop.
Temperature Requirements: Store at a cool 2–4 °C. For regular keeping they thrive in spring like temperatures of about 13 degrees Celsius.
How to Avoid Potential Problems: Handle the flowers gently to prevent breaking their delicate stems. Ensure they are kept in a cool environment and away from sources of ethylene.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Maintain a cool storage environment (2–4 °C) to ensure longevity and freshness.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Recut stems and hydrate in water with floral preservative added. Keep them in a cool place, securely wrapped in paper until they are fully rehydrated and sturdy.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Be mindful of their sensitivity to ethylene and keep them away from sources of this gas, such as ripening fruit, to prevent premature wilting.