Flower Library
Ranunculus
Ranunculus asiaticus · Ranunculaceae
Ranunculus are little peonies — many-petaled, paper-thin blooms in a palette from pastel to vivid pink. Their season sits between tulips and peonies — February through May.
- Season
- February – March – April – May
- Vase life
- 5–10 days
- Latin name
- Ranunculus asiaticus
- Colors
- White, Soft pink, Pink, Coral, Salmon, Yellow, Purple, Bordeaux
Ranunculus are an absolute favorite for spring weddings. A single bloom looks like a miniature artwork — the Japanese varieties (Cloony, Pon-Pon) are particularly densely petaled.
Stems are soft and often bend elegantly — that's not a defect, it's part of their natural character. In a tall vase they look especially graceful.
Is Ranunculus toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats and dogs. Ranunculus (buttercup family) contain ranunculin, which converts to irritating protoanemonin — may cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Keep out of reach of pets.
Typical symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and mucous-membrane irritation caused by protoanemonin.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle, strip lower leaves.
- 02Fill the vase only halfway — ranunculus take plenty of water but no leaves should sit in it.
- 03Change water every 2 days.
- 04Keep cool — significantly extends vase life.
Frequently asked
- What's the difference between ranunculus and peonies?
- Ranunculus are smaller (5–8 cm), thinner-petaled and earlier in the season (Feb–May). Peonies are bigger (10–15 cm), firmer and arrive May–June.
- Are ranunculus toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. Ranunculus contain ranunculin, which turns into protoanemonin when chewed and irritates the mouth, stomach and gut — typical signs are drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Keep the vase out of reach of pets.
- How long do ranunculus last in a vase?
- Kept cool, freshly cut and with a water change every 2 days, ranunculus last 5 to 10 days. They keep opening in the vase and grow fuller by the day.