Ranunculus calandrinioides

RHS Plant Profile
high alpine buttercup
high alpine buttercup RHS 2003
Award of Garden Merit
Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

A tufted perennial to 20cm, with broadly lance-shaped, grey-green basal leaves 5-8cm in length which die down in summer, and 1-3 pink-flushed white flowers 5cm across on erect stems

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
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
Morocco

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in gritty, humus-rich, sharply drained soil in full sun. Or grow in a pot in an alpine house. It dies down in summer, keep dry while dormant. Long-lived but slow growing

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Rock garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

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