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Herbaceous Perennial

Ficaria verna
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

celandine

a tuberous perennial with long-stemmed, dark green glossy leaves with silver or bronze markings. Bright golden yellow cup-shaped flowers appear in spring, fading to white with age. Some variants can be very invasive but if you are relaxed about your garden can be good for a woodland area or for ground cover.

Other common names
pilewort
Synonyms
Ranunculus ficaria 'Verna'
© RHS
© RHS
© RHS
© RHS
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Gold Yellow Green Bronze Grey
Summer Green Bronze Grey
Autumn Green Bronze Grey
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Ficaria is a relatively small genus of European herbs. It is closely related to buttercups (Ranunculus) and is sometimes included within that genus

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, NW Africa, SW Asia

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How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial or full shade. Occurs naturally in open wood, hedges and damp meadows. A good early source of pollen and nectar for insects, though plants can spread and have potential to become a nuisance if not controlled. See celandine cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seeds, bulbils and tubers

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Ground cover
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews on drier soils

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