Ranunculus asiaticus Butterfly Ariadne® - Persian Buttercup

Ranunculus asiaticus Butterfly™ Ariadne® is a Persian buttercup with an almost unreal charm when its flowers open. Much lighter than a classic variety, it offers delicate, soft pink corollas with a satin sheen, well distributed on its branched stems. In spring borders, large containers, and especially in cut flower arrangements, its natural look and refinement work wonderfully.

Ranunculus asiaticus belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and bears the common names of Persian buttercup, Asian buttercup, garden buttercup, or Oriental buttercup. This botanical species is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East. It is a tuberous perennial plant suited to a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and dry summers, thriving in well-draining soils. A tuberous perennial, it flowers in spring and goes dormant in summer.

'Butterfly Ariadne' belongs to the Butterfly™ series, developed in Japan by Aya Engei. This series is distinguished by well-branched stems bearing five to seven flowers, petals covered with a very fine waxy film that enhances their brilliance and improves their keeping quality, and by a more natural look than that of traditional double ranunculus. 'Ariadne' presents a very soft pink hue, a rosy white enhanced by a red centre that reinforces the flower's delicacy. This cultivar was nominated at the Glass Tulip 2017 in the Netherlands. The plant forms an upright clump 50 to 60 cm tall. Its medium green foliage is divided into lobes. The stems are sturdy without being stiff. Flowering occurs mainly from March to May, sometimes until June or July, depending on the climate and planting date. The 5 to 7 cm diameter flowers are single to semi-double, cup-shaped, well open, composed of rounded, thin, opalescent petals. Its rhizome does not like excess water in winter and frost; it perishes below -5°C. The Persian buttercup has long been cultivated for cut flowers, highly prized in Europe as well as in Japan for its refinement.

In the garden, 'Butterfly Ariadne' finds a place in romantic or more sophisticated spring scenes, in a flowering border, a small bed, or in a plot reserved for cut flowers. In a pot, it is just as charming, placed near the house or on a sheltered terrace, where one can admire its unique charm up close. Plant it in rich but well-drained soil, in gentle sun. To accompany it, consider double fringed tulip 'Queensland', double daffodil 'Replete', hardy geranium 'Blushing Turtle' and forget-me-not 'Savoie Blue'. These spring blooms create a varied, very fresh ensemble, without detracting from its delicacy.
You can grow this plant by lifting the tubers in autumn, before frosts, like a gladiolus.