Ranunculus repens
creeping buttercup
A potentially invasive plant in the garden, spreading by stems that root at the nodes. Leaves are hairy, rough-edged and sometimes with white markings. They are three-lobed, with the central lobe being stalked. Flowers of five-petalled, glossy, yellow cups are borne in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
An inhabitant of damp grassland
Propagation
Propagate by seed or plant division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.