Buttercup
Buttercup

Buttercup? No this is not a cupcake article but an informative one on Ranunculus bulbosus flower. Ranunculus bulbosus is a part of the buttercup family. This plant is also known as bulbous buttercup and is a perennial, so putting efforts into growing it won’t be needed every year. This flower produces a bright yellow reflection that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Booming in the cut flower industry nowadays, this rose look-alike has the hearts of many. 


11 Buttercup flower facts

With beauty comes peculiarities and they ought to be mentioned when speaking of the very thing. There are many attributes attached to this plant that makes it different from others and more special. Before we get to know about everything about this unique bright flower, let’s learn some mind-boggling facts about it.

 

1. Their appearance is magnificent and one to ponder over 

This flower has a layer of reflective cells which gives it a lustrous appearance. Their bright yellow appearance has always been a topic of conversation among plant and flower enthusiasts. 

Note: It is said that there was a myth related to this flower’s bright yellow appearance. The myth is that if holding the Buttercup flower below your neck reflects a yellow bright shadow on your neck it means that you love butter.

2. Buttercup is believed to be Heliotropic & follows the sun  

Buttercup flowers are “Heliotropic”, which means they follow the sun wherever it goes. Heliotropic is a term used to classify plants and flowers like sunflowers that move towards the light of the sun. It is a habit of some plants to grow and bend towards the direction of the sunlight and Buttercups do it too. 

 

3. It’s Toxic for us

Every part of Buttercup is toxic to both humans and animals. Some species of this native North American plant are more toxic than others. Still some species of Ranunculus which are not toxic, are used for medicinal purposes.

 

4. Colour of the Ranunculus 

Some species of Buttercup flower have different colors such as red, orange, and white. 

 

5. Scientific Name

The scientific name of the Buttercup flower is “Ranunculus”. This plant is a part of the huge Ranunculaceae. Although the name Buttercup was derived from a myth that this plant has a role in making butter.  

 

6. Blooming 

 

Buttercup
Buttercup

Though some species bloom in the summer months, most of the Ranunculus species blossoms in April. However, by following great steps to ensure their growth, they can extend their blooming period if they receive great care. This plant hates winter a lot due to frost. It usually dies as it cannot handle frost. 

 

7. Height 

Even though they are treated as small flowers most species can grow up to 16 inches in height. It all depends upon the care they receive from the gardener. 

 

8. Nectar 

Buttercup flowers have a spot of nectar at the bottom of their petals which attracts insects and improves the pollination process. 

 

9. Origin 

This poisonous bright flower is native to North America. Although some experts have also mentioned in research that this plant has also originated from Europe. The origin of this plant has always been a part of a debate. 

 

10. Symbolism

They symbolize charm and humility along with childishness. Ranunculus has been famous when it comes to the symbolic attribute of the plant. This plant is said to represent childishness, positively and cutely. Apart from that the charm symbolism of this flowering plant has been well known among everyone. 

 

11. Usage

Even though they have poisonous properties Buttercup is used for the treatment of arthritis and various skin problems. There are many homeopathic medicine uses of this plant as well. If you wanna know more about the benefits and uses this gorgeous flowering plant has in store for you, keep scrolling through this article. 

 

What do Buttercups symbolize?

Buttercup
Buttercup

Flowers and plants have one amazing attribute attached to them similar to zodiac signs. Just like zodiac signs, plants and flowers also symbolize several things. When it comes to Buttercups there are no exceptions. Buttercups also symbolize many emotions and feelings. We have listed below some emotions that are depicted by ranunculus:- 

 

1. Childish

Buttercups symbolize childishness and are often associated with childish behavior in a positive manner. 

 

2. Charm

With a lavish appearance and bright yellow flowers, we suppose you all have estimated by now that this plant also symbolizes charm. If yes, then you are correct.

 

3. Humility

Though it is hard to think that such a poisonous plant can represent humility but it’s true, Buttercups are known to symbolize humility as well. 

 

These are the main emotions that a Buttercup represents or depicts. This cute-looking flower has many other attributes apart from its symbolism which you will get to learn about as you peruse through.

  

Are Buttercups easy to grow?

This perennial flowering plant is very easy to grow and look after. This highly admired flowering plant does not require too much care or effort. These flowers bloom for about 6 weeks in their blooming period and look very neat in your lawn or garden. The most important tip to consider when growing Buttercups is to plant them in an area where there is full sunlight. Apart from sunlight and part shade, this plant requires moist and well-drained soil to grow abundantly. 

 

Where do Buttercups grow?

This perennial plant can easily grow in wild places, that is why you may have found this plant in many places. Buttercups are found in many European and North American regions. They require moist soil and are also found in mountain regions. 

Flower-Advice: Ranunculus prefers a sunny location but if you live in a place with a hot climate they will handle some shade. Ranunculus can not tolerate frost, so if you are planning to plant them during winter, keep this in mind.

 

How to grow  Buttercups?

Buttercup
Buttercup

We have learned a lot about Ranunculus so far, now it’s time to get to know about how you can plant this flowering plant in your lawn or balcony.  

Ranunculus grows from a special bulb called tuber/comb which resembles a fleshy claw with pointed fingers. What you need to do to begin growing this perennial in your lawn or house is firstly, soak these special bulbs in water for 10 to 12 hours. Ranunculus grows better in well-drained soil and prefers rich, sandy soil. Avoid clay soil as they do not grow in it.  Prepare a soil using the following types of soils:

 

  • Cocopeat
  • Sandy garden soil
  • Organic compost

 

All these three soil should be in equal proportions. Mix them well and add 1 spoon of fungicide powder to mix efficiently and to avoid any chance of soil rot in the future. To begin planting, pick a pot or a container to put the soil in (6-8 inch diameter pot is ideal). The container should have drainage holes in the bottom for better draining. Cover the holes with stones for better drainage. Subsequently, fill the container with your soil mix and tap the surface of the soil to fill air gaps. 

Note: You can plant 1-2 tubers in a single pot (keep them 4-5 inches apart for better growth)

Then plant the tubers with the finger-pointing side facing down and cover them with 3 inches of soil. Afterward, water the pot to avoid any rot in the tubers. Water the pot when you see new growth emerging from the soil. Apart from tubers, you can also try growing Ranunculus through seeds as they can grow through seeds instead of tubers as well very easily. 

Do the same process with the seeds as well just like the tubers. In 30 days you will start to see the growth of the plant with your own eyes. Keep adding water if the soil starts to dry out. For the next few days feed your Ranunculus plant fertilizers which are rich in potassium and phosphorus as they encourage the plant to produce more (Repeat the process after 15-20 days). Water immediately after adding the fertilizers.  

Follow the above-mentioned steps and witness a splendid flower blooming in front of your eyes in no time. Do the necessary and avoid the rookie mistakes and you will become a perfect plant parent. 

 

Carrying out the deadheading of Ranunculus

Remove the withered flowers with sharp gardening scissors. This not only makes the plant look tidier. It also encourages more growth since the plant won’t be wasting its energy on dead flowers. During blooming, this flower looks too beautiful to be real. Its rose-like blooms with layer upon layer of thin petals make this flower captivating. 

 

How to propagate Ranunculus?

When propagating the beautiful Buttercup seeds, germination usually takes place within 10-15 days. Seedlings with four or more true leaves are ready for transplant to other containers, allowing for additional growth before moving them to the garden bed. You can plant them again when any chance of potential frosting has passed away.  

 

How poisonous are Buttercups?

As mentioned above, Ranunculus are highly toxic flowering plants. Every part of this flowering plant is toxic and it is advised not to ingest any part of this plant. It is toxic not just for animals but also for humans. 

Fun fact: It was earlier believed that butter is made when cows graze Buttercup flowers. But it was later defined that this is nothing but just a myth that had no evidence to prove it. 

 

What are Buttercups good for? 5 amazing benefits of buttercups

Buttercup
Buttercup

Now that we have attained a significant amount of information on this topic let’s learn about some amazing benefits this plant has in store for you. Nature has never failed to give back to us, and plants and flowers with many medicinal and health benefits are the greatest examples. Buttercups also have great benefits which are great for our health. 

1. Medical use

Buttercups have been used to treat medical problems such as arthritis and skin problems.

 

2. Skin benefits

It is a used and common thing in many cultures in North America to use the boiled solution of the flower as a face mask. You just have to boil the flowers in water and apply the water after cooling it down on your face and then washing it after 10 to 15 minutes.

 

3. Treats sore mouth

The Bulbous Buttercup can help treat a sore mouth. Just boil it in water and drink it after cooling it. It will help your mouth. Just remember only to use Bulbous Buttercup and not any other type of Buttercup as most of them are toxic.

 

4. Joint Pain

Ranunculus has been known to be used to treat joint pain. People boil the flowers and let the water cool down and rub the solution on their joints. 

 

5. Homeopathy

Many species of this beautiful flower are also used to create homeopathic medicines to treat various health issues. 

Apart from these valuable uses, this flowering plant has been very famous among plant enthusiasts and professionals in the world of planting. Buttercups have impressed many by their appearance and the added value by these attributes of the flower is a plus.

 

Are Buttercups the new roses?

Buttercup
Buttercup

The cut flower industry has been witnessing a surge in the demand for Buttercups and vendors are forced to sell them just because of the popularity of this flower. Bouquets of Ranunculus are highly desirable these days, and people opt to gift them to their loved ones. Setting aside the toxicity of the Ranunculus, this flower is gaining fame and desirability among the masses. A yellow bright flora is attaining an unprecedented rise in prominence in the world full of red roses.

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