Introducing...
Alpine ranunculus
Botanical name: Ranunculus
Common name: Alpine buttercup
These delicate-looking plants flower at various times of year, depending on the species, and may be evergreen or die down in summer or winter. Grow them in rock gardens or in containers in an unheated greenhouse.
Looks
Bowl-shaped, normally white or yellow flowers – often large in relation to the plant – stand on wiry, upright stems above rosettes of glossy leaves.
Likes
Alpine ranunculus need full sun and should be planted in gritty, free-draining soil, where they won’t dry out while in full growth. When planting in containers, add plenty of grit to the potting compost, to ensure good drainage. Ranunculus montanus grows just as well in the border as the rock garden
Dislikes
These plants dislike being too wet, particularly over winter, and won’t flower in shade.
Did you know?
Ranunculus lobatus has been found growing at an elevation of 7,756m in the Himalayas, the highest point at which any flowering plant is known to grow.
Growing guide
How to grow alpine ranunculus
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for alpine ranunculus in your garden.
Ranunculus we recommend
Ranunculus calandrinioides
high alpine buttercup
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0–0.1 metre
Ranunculus montanus 'Molten Gold'
buttercup 'Molten Gold'
- Up to 10cm
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Ranunculus calandrinioides
high alpine buttercup
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0–0.1 metre
Ranunculus montanus 'Molten Gold'
buttercup 'Molten Gold'
- Up to 10cm
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Alpines for dry stone walls
Growing plants in containers
Rock gardens: plants
Scree gardening
Sink and trough gardening: plants for
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