Sprinkles Bicolor Mix

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Ranuncolaceae

Order

Ranunculales

Genus

Ranunculus

Species

asiaticus

Description

A compact, tuberous herb with an upright habit, bearing herbaceous flowering stems in the centre. It is a very striking plant due to its large, globular flowers, which come in a wide range of colours. It is prized as an ornamental plant precisely because of its inflorescences, which, depending on the variety, appear at times of year when there are often few other blooms, thus allowing for a staggered flowering schedule throughout the year. Highly versatile, it is suitable for flowerbeds as well as for balconies and terraces in pots or planters, and can also be combined with other species. It does not require any special care provided that certain requirements are met from the outset, such as a position in partial shade and adequate watering without waterlogging.

Variety description

This is a very eye-catching plant thanks to its large, colourful flowers, and is ideal for planting in pots or planters on the balcony.

Curiosities and special features

Tradition has it that buttercups are placed on altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary during Holy Week because, according to an ancient legend, Jesus chose the brightest stars from the sky and transformed them into buttercups to pay homage to his Mother. The name derives from theGreek word ‘batràchion’,later Latinised, meaning‘littlefrog’, as early records associated the plant’s growth with marshy and damp areas . The flowers of some varieties are also suitable as cut flowers for bouquets and fresh arrangements.

Origin and distribution

Native to Asia Minor and Western Europe, the buttercup is thought to have been introduced to Europe during the Crusades by Louis IX, King of France, following his return from Palestine. Initially, it did not attract much interest, apart from being cultivated in monastery gardens alongside ornamental bulbs.

It reached the height of its popularity in the late 17th century, during the reign of Mehmed IV , Sultan of Turkey, becoming the most sought-after ornamental plant for the gardens of Constantinople. It was subsequently reintroduced to Europe via Greece, leading to intensive hybridisation in England, France and the Netherlands during the 19th century. Today it is cultivated in various Mediterranean countries, in the Netherlands and in South Africa;Italyis one of the leading producers of ranunculus.

Flower size

The individual flower is of average size when compared with those of other varieties of the same species.

Leaf

Leaf has a palmately lobed lamina.

Flowering period

The flowering period lasts from mid-winter to summer, lasting between 40 and 60 days, allowing us to admire the colours of its flowers for a long time.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence compound spike.

Leaf colour

Tiger-striped pattern.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.15 and 0.25 m, making it perfect for creating sinuous lines when combined with other ornamental plants of varying sizes.

Lifespan

Biennial plant.

Where to plant

Ideal for adding a touch of colour and elegance tobalconies, outdoor planters, pots and flowerbeds

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is peony-shaped, medium-sized, with two-coloured, fringed petals. It grows in medium-sized compound spike inflorescences. It flowers from mid-winter to summer, with a flowering period of between 40 and 60 days. It has sweet notes, is slightly fragrant, and has a delicate aroma.

Growth

A compact-growing variety, ideal for creating dense, monochrome groups with a striking ornamental effect.

Plant habit

The plant grows upright, with the flower stalks in the centre, creating an overall effect of great decorative value.

Branching

Medium branching, a characteristic that allows it to achieve a good, compact and proportionate vegetative development.

PH

The optimal pH values of the Soil/medium are between 5.5 and 6.5. As most ornamental Species like slightly acidic Soil/medium, in this regard also pay attention to the pH of the irrigation water.

Soil preparation

When transplanting into a flowerbed, check that the soil is not too compact – that is, to the extent that it would hinder the proper development of the young roots. If necessary, mix in some sand to make it lighter and, if required, some peat to help achieve the ideal pH level; It is also advisable, after lightly spading and hoeing, to add a layer of professional potting compost to the surface to a depth of about 5–10 cm, whilst preparing the planting furrows to achieve a suitable final planting density.

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Sun exposure

It prefers positions in half-shade; direct sunlight should be avoided, particularly during the peak flowering phase.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 20 °C; these temperatures ensure excellent growth and flowering. In areas with harsh winters, it is advisable to protect the plants with mulch.

Use

Long admired and appreciated for its striking and elegant flowers, it is widely used as an ornamental plant
ornamental purposes

Hardiness

This variety is not very hardy; it does not cope well with waterlogging and cannot tolerate intense sunlight.

Soil

The ideal soil for buttercups is peaty and well-drained; for growing in planters and pots, a light substrate made from peat and perlite, with a slightly acidic pH, is recommended.

Difficulty

It iseasy to grow; with the right care, it will produce excellent results in terms of growth and flowering.

Growing tips

To ensure the best growth followed by abundant flowering, we recommend that you:

Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day It prefers a cool climate

Combinations with other plants

It is the ideal solution not only for creating compact, monochromatic groups of flowers but also for arrangements, following harmonious and well-proportioned schemes, alongside other ornamental species such as Anemone coronaria, Antirrhinum majus, Calendula officinalis, Iberis sempervirens and Viola. Combinations may feature shades of the same colour tone or pairings of different colours according to carefully composed, uniform and soothing schemes, determined by a range of factors such as personal taste, the season and the duration of flowering, as well as the final height reached by each individual species.

Planting

As with any ornamental bedding plant, planting must be carried out at a suitable density to ensure the plants grow with maximum vigour, thereby achieving a balanced and visually harmonious final effect; we therefore recommend an average planting density of 15 plants per square metre. We also suggest placing each seedling in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding burying the root balls completely; they must be kept well-moistened. Finally, water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Propagation

It is mainly propagated from seed.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively well water or tap water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either manually or via an irrigation system. When repotting, avoid waterlogging and water consistently without allowing the soil to dry out completely; do not let the plant become dehydrated after repotting.

Thereafter, water with adequate amounts, taking care not to water directly onto the flowers, keeping the soil or growing medium consistently moist whilst avoiding both waterlogging – which causes root rot – and water shortages, which can lead to yellowing of the leaves.

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Fertilising

From late winter until the end of spring, once the plant has become properly established in its new location, apply a liquid fertiliser suitable for ornamental plants to the soil or growing medium at the base of the plant – taking care not to wet the leaves – to be applied in liquid form, that is, diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the recommended frequency or dosage.

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Pet safety

It may cause toxicity if swallowed.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Buttercups contain anemonin, a substance that is particularly toxic to animals and humans if ingested in a certain quantity; avoid ingesting them.

Tip

Avoid allowing the potting soil to dry out completely to prevent the basal leaves from turning yellow. Avoid wetting the flowers. The plant suffers greatly from waterlogging and growing media with high water retention. It does not like strong sunlight or direct light. Sudden changes in ambient humidity encourage the development of powdery mildew.