Ranunculus asiaticus 'La Belle'
This seed strain is prized by growers for compact plants that flower early and heavily. It stands out for shorter, stockier stems and prolific double blooms that suit small arrangements and container gardens. Plants like cool conditions, full sun, and sharply drained soil. In Zones 8 to 10, plant in fall for very early spring color. In colder zones, plant in late winter to early spring for late spring bloom. The series covers soft pastels and picotees. Plants are not hardy where winters are cold and wet.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Persian Buttercup Series: La Belle
- Height × spread: 10–15 in × 8–10 in (25–38 cm × 20–25 cm)
- Bloom window: Very early spring in mild zones; late spring elsewhere
- Color & flower form: Fully double; many pastels and picotees
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: Zones 8–10; grown as annual in colder zones
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Unknown, likely French origin; Year unknown, France
- Cut‑flower notes: Shorter stems but productive; vase life 7–10 days when cut in bud
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Earlier and more compact than many ranunculus lines
- High stem count on shorter plants
- Good choice for containers and windy sites
- Pastel and picotee palette favored for events
Strengths
- Very productive early blooms
- Sturdy stems on compact plants
- Useful in small vases and mixed planters
- Good vase life if harvested at soft bud stage
Care in one minute
- Provide full sun and sharply drained soil; raised planters work well
- Soak corms 1 hour; plant 2 in deep and 6 in apart with claws down
- Water to keep evenly moist while growing; avoid soggy soil
- Feed lightly every 2 to 3 weeks in active growth
- Deadhead to maintain flowering and air flow
- Lift and store corms dry in cold or rainy‑winter climates
Watch‑outs
- Short stems may not suit large arrangements
- Corms rot if drainage is poor
- Botrytis spots petals in cool, wet weather
- Heat ends bloom quickly
Best uses (tags)
cutting, containers, borders, cool‑season, early‑season
Provenance note
Often listed with French origin and selected for early, compact growth. Popular with small‑scale growers for its productivity on short stems.
References
- Floret Library – La Belle series habit and height
- RHS – Ranunculus asiaticus profile
- UMass Extension – Botrytis blight of cut flowers
- ASPCA – Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) toxicity
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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