Ranunculus aconitifolius

RHS Plant Profile

fair maids of France

Other common names

aconite buttercup, aconite-leaved buttercup, mountain crowfoot, fair maids of Kent

Synonyms

Ranunculus giganteus Lapeyr.

Herbaceous Perennial

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A clump-forming perennial to 60cm, with three-to five-lobed, dark, glossy green leaves up to 20cm long. In late spring to early summer produces tall, upright, branching stems with numerous, saucer-shaped, white flowers opening from red buds

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H7

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming
Potentially harmful: Harmful if eatenskin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eatenskin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus: Ranunculus can be annuals, biennials, evergreen or herbaceous perennials, with rhizomes, tubers or spreading by runners. The leaves are variable but often palmately lobed or dissected and the flowers usually bowl-shaped
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Wildflower meadow
Wildlife gardens
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds