Ranunculus
Ranunculus are part of the buttercup family, a large plant family with over 2,000 known species that range from creeping weeds to our precious, pampered blooms. The name “ranunculus” derives from the Latin word “rana” and the suffix “unculus”, signifying little frog - as these flowers often grow near water.
For the start of the new year we’ve created dreamy arrangements ready to brighten up your home with the Elegance and Butterfly ranunculus variants, which offer beautiful and airy rose-like blooms that you can’t help but fall in love with.
How long does ranunculus last in a vase?
You’re in luck! With the right prep and care, your ranunculus can last a really long time in a vase.
Did you know? Your ranunculus stems keep growing even after you’ve cut and put them in a vase, just like tulips.
Pro styling tip: ruffle their feathers! Ranunculus blooms have many petals that ruffle and expand as they open. Reflexing them, which means gently folding back the petals, can create a billowy, voluminous look for your arrangement.
Our top care tips for keeping ranunculus in a vase
A sharp cut! To keep your ranunculus healthy, trim them with a small, sharp scissor (put away those chunky secateurs!), so you don’t squish or bruise their soft stems.
Heads up! If their heads hang down a little, there may be a blockage in the stem. Cut them and change their water regularly to perk them up.
Where can I find ranunculus at Freddie’s?
We’ve carefully curated four arrangements for the new year that feature Ranunculus as a standout-stem and make it shine in different ways.
- Ranunculus Blush - The one for true fans. Simple but impactful, layered and delicate candy-pink elegance ranunculus takes centre-stage against a backdrop of vibrant green bupleurum.
- Butterfly Kiss - Your colourful pick’n’mix. Soft, peachy butterfly ranunculus dazzles in harmony with coral-striped amaryllis and cool white-green anthurium.
- Stolen Sunrise - Golden hour for your home -our Stolen Sunrise Showstopper adds glowing, golden butterfly ranunculus to a warm palette of blooms and green foliage.
- Neon Dusk - Calls on striking pinks for the new year with our butterfly ranunculus adding height and movement to hot pink roses, santini, and snapdragons.
Home-growing ranunculus
Love ranunculus so much you want it in your garden, too? We can understand! Here are a few commonly asked questions that’ll help get you started:
Are ranunculus better in pots or ground?
Ranunculus grows well in both pots and the ground! They prefer a sunny spot with moist, free-draining soils, so if your garden soil is heavy, you’re better off planting in pots.
When to plant ranunculus in the UK?
Most commonly, it is recommended to plant your ranunculus corms in spring (March / April) in the UK for late spring, early summer blooming. However, if you have a poly tunnel or greenhouse, you can plant your ranunculus corms in autumn already (October / November) for an early spring flowering.
When does ranunculus bloom?
Ranunculus bloom in the UK from spring into early summer, with flowering times depending on when you planted your corms.
Are ranunculus hardy in the UK?
It depends on the variety of ranunculus you’ve planted - most types are hardy and won’t need any special care over winter, while others, such as Persian buttercups will need to be in a greenhouse to survive the cold.
Posted on 18th December 2025