Ranunculus asiaticus Butterfly Vestalis® - Persian buttercup

Ranunculus asiaticus Butterfly Vestalis® is an Asian ranunculus whose natural, almost rustic appearance contrasts sharply with the classic varieties known for their highly structured, geometric flowers. Its spring flowering, earlier or later depending on the climate, opens into pretty corollas of a light shade blending orange with salmon-pink. It will create lovely bouquets with a delightfully romantic charm. Preferring a sunny spot, this plant only tolerates light frosts and should therefore be grown in pots in colder regions, so it can be brought indoors for winter protection. Alternatively, it can be treated as an annual in a border.

Ranunculus is the emblematic genus of the Ranunculaceae family, to which it gives its name. This family includes around sixty genera, some well known to gardeners, such as Columbines, valued for the artistic form and colours of their flowers, as well as more discreet plants like Caltha, or Marsh Marigold. The Ranunculus genus alone comprises nearly 500 species found in temperate regions worldwide. Among them, Ranunculus asiaticus, known as the Asian ranunculus or florist's ranunculus, is a tuberous perennial that goes dormant during summer. Native to the Mediterranean region, it grows wild in Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria, in open habitats such as meadows, dry, stony or sandy soils.
Highly valued for its ornamental potential, this species has given rise to many cultivars. The horticultural series Butterfly™ was developed by the Japanese breeder Aya Engei, based in Miyazaki, southern Japan, in a region with a bright, sunny climate. Plants in this series are distinguished by their airy habit and brilliant flowering. The variety ‘Vestalis’ quickly forms an upright clump reaching about 40 to 50 cm in height and 20 cm in width. Its slender stems bear medium to bright green, finely cut foliage that disappears after flowering when the plant enters summer dormancy. Each well-branched stem frequently produces five to seven flowers, making it a particularly generous variety. The deep orange flower buds open into semi-double blooms of a lighter tone. At maturity, the petals form an open cup, with a light orange outer edge shading to salmon-pink towards the centre. In the centre, the stamens form a small protruding cone of brown to dark brown, which contrasts beautifully with the pale corolla. The supple stems sway in the wind, creating a natural look, especially when planted in groups. Flowering extends from February to April in mild climates, such as along the Mediterranean coast, and shifts to spring to early summer in cool temperate climates. The flowers last two to three weeks in a vase, allowing you to enjoy their beauty indoors as well.

The florist's ranunculus Butterfly Vestalis® charms with its light, spontaneous style, far removed from the more geometric and sophisticated forms of traditional varieties. To enhance this natural effect, it can be combined in a border with Botanical Tulips, whose flowers come in a multitude of shapes and colours. Also sow Love-in-a-mist seeds, which will extend the border's interest into summer with their fine foliage and sculptural flowers, followed by decorative seed pods. You can complete your scene by adding a few clumps of Ornamental Grasses to bring structure and lightness to the whole. In climates with harsh winters, simply lift the tubers from the ground in autumn before frost, and grow this plant like Gladioli.