The Just Bloom Florist Guide to Ranunculus Varieties
Ranunculus, often called Persian buttercups, are cherished in the floral industry for their delicate, layered petals, vibrant colors, and rose-like appearance. These versatile flowers are a favorite for weddings, bouquets, and event decor due to their lush texture and romantic charm. This Just Bloom guide explores the key ranunculus varieties, their characteristics, uses, and care tips to help florists create stunning arrangements and meet client expectations.
1. Tecolote Ranunculus
Overview
Tecolote ranunculus are the most common type used in floral design, known for their large, fully double blooms and vibrant colors, making them ideal for bouquets and centerpieces.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Fully double, rose-like blooms with tightly packed petals, 2–4 inches in diameter.
Stem Length: 12–18 inches, perfect for standard arrangements.
Colors: Red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple, and bi-colors.
Fragrance: Minimal to none.
Bloom Season: Late winter to spring (February–May).
Popular Varieties
'Elegance': White, pink, or red, with large, lush blooms, ideal for weddings.
'Picotee': White with pink or red edges, perfect for romantic designs.
'Flamenco': Yellow with red tips, vibrant for bold arrangements.
Uses
Bridal bouquets and centerpieces for a lush, romantic look.
Mixed with roses, peonies, or anemones for textured designs.
Focal flowers in spring arrangements or event decor.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 7–10 days.
Handling: Cut stems at a 45-degree angle under water. Remove lower leaves to prevent rot.
Water: Use lukewarm water with floral preservative, changed every 2–3 days.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) in a humid cooler to maintain freshness.
2. Persian Ranunculus
Overview
Persian ranunculus, the traditional type, feature smaller, semi-double to double blooms with a delicate, open appearance, offering a natural, garden-style aesthetic.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Semi-double to double blooms, 1–3 inches wide, with looser petals than Tecolote.
Stem Length: 10–16 inches, suitable for compact arrangements.
Colors: White, pink, red, yellow, and pastel shades.
Fragrance: Minimal to none.
Bloom Season: Late winter to spring (February–May).
Popular Varieties
'Pastel Mix': Soft pink, white, and yellow, ideal for delicate bouquets.
'Persian Red': Deep red, great for bold, romantic designs.
'Buttercup': Bright yellow, perfect for cheerful spring arrangements.
Uses
Garden-style bouquets with greenery or wildflowers.
Accent flowers in mixed arrangements for a softer look.
Corsages or boutonnieres for a delicate touch.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–8 days.
Handling: Handle gently to avoid crushing delicate petals. Trim stems under water.
Water: Use cool water with floral preservative, changed every 2 days.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) in a humid environment to prevent wilting.
3. Cloni Ranunculus (Success Series)
Overview
Cloni ranunculus, part of the Success Series, are hybrid varieties bred for larger blooms, longer stems, and improved vase life, making them a premium choice for florists.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Fully double, densely packed blooms, 3–5 inches wide, resembling peonies.
Stem Length: 16–24 inches, ideal for taller arrangements.
Colors: White, pink, red, orange, yellow, purple, and bi-colors, often with vibrant saturation.
Fragrance: Minimal to none.
Bloom Season: Late winter to spring (February–May).
Popular Varieties
'Cloni Success Hanoi': Pure white, elegant for wedding work.
'Cloni Success Pon-Pon Rouge': Deep red, striking for bold designs.
'Cloni Success Champagne': Soft peach, perfect for romantic bouquets.
Uses
Statement flowers in bridal bouquets or centerpieces.
Mixed with roses or tulips for luxurious, textured arrangements.
Large-scale event decor, such as arches or installations.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 8–12 days.
Handling: Support larger blooms with floral foam or wire. Cut stems under water.
Water: Use deep containers with floral preservative to accommodate long stems.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) to extend vase life.
4. Butterfly Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus hybrids)
Overview
Butterfly ranunculus are newer hybrids with delicate, single to semi-double blooms, offering an airy, open aesthetic that adds a whimsical touch to floral designs.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Single to semi-double blooms, 1–3 inches wide, with loosely arranged petals.
Stem Length: 10–16 inches, suitable for smaller arrangements.
Colors: White, pink, yellow, orange, and pastel shades, often with subtle gradients.
Fragrance: Minimal to none.
Bloom Season: Late winter to spring (February–May).
Popular Varieties
'Butterfly Ariadne': Soft pink with yellow centers, ideal for delicate bouquets.
'Butterfly Apollo': Bright yellow, perfect for cheerful spring designs.
'Butterfly Artemis': White with green tinges, great for minimalist arrangements.
Uses
Accent flowers in garden-style or rustic bouquets.
Mixed with denser blooms like Tecolote ranunculus for contrast.
Corsages, boutonnieres, or hairpieces for a light, airy look.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–7 days.
Handling: Handle gently to preserve delicate petals. Cut stems under water.
Water: Use cool water with floral preservative, changed every 2–3 days.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) in a humid cooler to prevent petal drop.
5. Amandine Ranunculus
Overview
Amandine ranunculus are compact hybrids with tightly packed, double blooms, offering a structured, rose-like appearance for sophisticated floral designs.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Fully double, rounded blooms, 2–3 inches wide, with densely layered petals.
Stem Length: 10–14 inches, ideal for smaller arrangements or accents.
Colors: Red, pink, white, yellow, and pastel shades.
Fragrance: Minimal to none.
Bloom Season: Late winter to spring (February–May).
Popular Varieties
'Amandine Rose': Soft pink, elegant for romantic designs.
'Amandine Red': Vibrant red, striking for bold bouquets.
'Amandine White': Pure white, perfect for classic wedding arrangements.
Uses
Filler flowers in mixed bouquets for a structured look.
Corsages, boutonnieres, or cake toppers due to their compact size.
Small vases or table arrangements for a refined aesthetic.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 6–9 days.
Handling: Trim stems under water; handle carefully to maintain bloom shape.
Water: Use floral preservative in lukewarm water, changed every 2 days.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) to preserve petal texture.
General Ranunculus Care for Florists
Sourcing: Choose high-quality ranunculus from reputable suppliers. Select blooms with firm, vibrant petals and no signs of browning or wilting.
Conditioning: Cut stems under lukewarm water and place in floral preservative for 4–6 hours to ensure hydration. Remove excess foliage to reduce water loss.
Temperature: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) in a humid cooler to prevent dehydration. Avoid ethylene exposure from fruits or wilting flowers.
Design Tips: Pair ranunculus with complementary flowers like roses, peonies, or eucalyptus for balanced arrangements. Use floral foam or grids for structural support in larger designs.
Customer Advice: Advise clients to change water every 2–3 days, keep arrangements out of direct sunlight, and trim stems regularly to extend vase life.
Trends in Ranunculus Use (2025)
Sustainable Sourcing: Demand for locally grown or organic ranunculus is growing, appealing to eco-conscious clients.
Pastel Palettes: Soft pink, peach, and white ranunculus are trending for romantic, minimalist designs.
Textured Arrangements: Combining Butterfly and Tecolote ranunculus adds depth and contrast to bouquets.
Monochromatic Displays: Single-color ranunculus arrangements, especially in white or blush tones, are popular for weddings and upscale events.
Hong Kong Florist tips
Ranunculus are a versatile and enchanting flower, offering florists a range of varieties to suit any design style, from romantic weddings to vibrant spring displays. By mastering the characteristics, uses, and care requirements of each ranunculus type, florists can create captivating arrangements that delight clients and elevate their floral artistry.
