Ranunculus asiaticus 'Elegance'
This Italian seed‑raised line was bred for professional cut‑flower production. It stands out for tall, uniform stems and large, refined blooms that handle mild spring heat. Plants do best in full sun with excellent drainage and cool nights. In Zones 8 to 10, fall planting yields early spring flowers. In colder zones, late winter to early spring planting yields late spring flowers. Blooms are densely petaled and show well in bouquets. Plants are not winter hardy in cold climates.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Persian Buttercup Series: Elegance
- Height × spread: 18–24 in × 10–12 in (45–60 cm × 25–30 cm)
- Bloom window: Early to mid spring in mild zones; late spring elsewhere
- Color & flower form: Fully double; many refined shades including whites, apricots, pinks, reds
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: Zones 8–10; grown as annual in colder zones
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Biancheri Creazioni, Year unknown, Italy
- Cut‑flower notes: Strong, tall stems; vase life about 10 days when cut in bud
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Seed‑raised line selected for uniform stems
- Often earlier than many tall strains
- Handles late spring warmth reasonably well
- Large, symmetrical flowers for high‑end design
Strengths
- Tall stems for arranging
- High productivity in field or tunnel
- Refined flower form
- Vase life commonly 7–10 to 10–12 days
Care in one minute
- Grow in full sun and fast‑draining soil; raised beds help in rainy springs
- Pre‑soak corms 1 hour; plant 2 in deep and 6–8 in apart with claws down
- Water steadily but allow the surface to dry between waterings; avoid wet foliage in cool weather
- Feed lightly every 2 to 3 weeks during active growth
- Harvest at the soft bud stage for longest vase life
- Lift and store dry after foliage senesces in cold or wet‑summer regions
Watch‑outs
- Sensitive to waterlogging; ensure sharp drainage
- Heat above 85°F shortens flowering
- Botrytis risk in cool, damp conditions
- Not hardy below Zone 8
Best uses (tags)
cutting, tunnels, containers, cool‑season
Provenance note
Bred by Biancheri Creazioni in Italy as a seed‑propagated cut‑flower line. Widely grown by farmers for tall, uniform stems.
References
- Onings America – Italian Ranunculus overview (Biancheri Elegance line)
- Zeliny z Doliny – Variety guide noting Elegance traits
- Floret Flowers – How to grow ranunculus (harvest stage and vase life)
- RHS – Ranunculus asiaticus profileasiaticus/details
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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