Do you have a soft spot for buttercup flowers? Those bright yellow petals with their delicate and feathery foliage are sure to draw the eye in any garden. But beyond simply being a beautiful flower, did you know that there's much more to learn about these dainty blooms?
Characteristics
The Buttercup flower has a notoriously recognizable bright yellow color, which can be seen gracing gardens and fields all over the world. The significance of the color is that it can bring in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden if present in abundance.
Buttercup Flower Varieties
The Common Buttercup is often considered to be a weed, as it can spread quickly and invade gardens or other areas where it is not wanted.
Creeping Buttercup
The Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is a species of buttercup that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. This flower has yellow petals and a green center, and it typically blooms in the springtime.
Meadow Buttercup
The Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a species of buttercup that is native to Europe and Asia. This flower has small yellow petals and a green center, and it typically blooms in the summertime. The Meadow Buttercup gets its name from the fact that it often grows in meadows or other open areas.
Growing Conditions
Light & Temperature
Buttercup flowers are easy to grow and, as long as their light and temperature requirements are met, can often be found in gardens and other outdoor spaces. These bright yellow flowers need some sunlight every day to thrive, but full sun is not necessary -- partial shade works just as well. Similarly, there is a wide range of temperature that buttercups can tolerate, from 50-75 °F (10-24 °C).
Soil
Proper soil for buttercup flowers should be moderately moist but well drained, with plenty of nutrients and organic matter. The ideal pH of the soil should be between 5.8 and 7, which is slightly acidic to neutral. To test the pH level of the soil in your garden or planter, you can purchase an inexpensive soil testing kit at most hardware stores.
Water
To ensure these vibrant, beautiful plants get the necessary hydration they need, they should be watered on a regular basis. When you first plant your buttercups, be sure to give them a good soaking in order to establish a deep root system that can easily access the groundwater in times of drought.
How To Plant & Grow
Choose A Location
When choosing a location to plant your buttercups, make sure to find an area that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Buttercups prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Avoid planting in areas that are prone to flooding or standing water, as this can cause the roots to rot.
Prepare The Soil
Before planting, loosen the soil with a shovel or tiller to a depth of about 12 inches. Buttercups do not require rich soil, but adding some compost or manure can help to improve drainage and provide nutrients for the plants.
Plant The Seeds
Buttercup seeds are small, so it is best to sow them indoors in pots or trays about six weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them down. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the pots or trays in an area with bright indirect light.
Review: Buttercup Flower Info & Growing Tips
The buttercup flower is a vibrant addition to any garden. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also easy to maintain and offer a variety of colors to choose from.