Flower Facts: All About Buttercups

“Against her ankles as she trod,

The lucky buttercups did nod.”

-  Jean Ingelow, ‘Reflections’

The beautiful ranunculus, or buttercup, as it’s more commonly known, is a popular and well-known garden and cut flower that has captivated flower lovers with its special secret and charm. This beautiful flower has a few commonly recognised types but it is a diverse species with varying apperances. Whether in a flower bouquet or blooming in a garden, buttercups are a delight to the senses.  Learn more about this stunning flower from Give Gift Boutique Hong Kong.

Pronunciation

Ranunculus: ruh·nuhng·kyoo·luhs

Scientific Information

The buttercup is a genus of around 300 species of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family. Buttercups, in general, are perennial but can occasionally be annual or biennial, herbaceous, aquatic, or terrestrial plants. Its appearance is often a rosette at the base of a stem and grows to around 30cm in height. Buttercups have tuberous or fibrous roots and they grow from corms. The petals of buttercups are special, especially in the yellow varieties, as it has a colouration mechanism that makes the petals surface highly reflective and mirror-like. Buttercup petals can be solitary or loosely clustered with five green sepals and generally bloom between the early spring and early fall.

Origins and Naming

Buttercups originated in the Mediterranean from Greece, Turkey and Iran as well as parts of Europe and North America. Its name, ranunculus, is Latin for “little frog”, likely owing to the many native species that were found near water. Its common name, however, derives from folklore. One such false belief is that buttercups are what gives butter its yellow hue. Additional folklore involves a children’s game in which children hold a buttercup up to their chin, of which a yellow reflection is supposed to indicate a fondness of butter.

Buttercups in Flower Arrangements

Buttercups, specifically the r.asiaticus are extremely popular in flower bouquets and arrangements. This type of buttercup comes in a variety of colours and has a round peony-like shape. What’s more, is that they’re a great flower for those with allergies as they contain no fragrance. Buttercups are perfect for every day or a special occasion. Here are a few ways you can add buttercups to your next flower arrangement.

*Pair buttercups with other spring flowers like tulips for a fresh spring bouquet, especially in the same shade with accompanying greens.

*Use buttercups and peonies to make for a romantic wedding bouquet. The shape and colour of these flowers compliment each other nicely and the symbolism behind each of them is perfect for a wedding.

*If you can get a different variety of buttercup, wildflower arrangements make fabulous flower décor. Pair the buttercups with delphinium, daisies, baby’s breath for a fresh and natural-looking arrangement.

*Buttercups also look lovely on their own and can be showcased in a variety of ways. Its long stems make for favourable French-designed bouquets but they also look striking in decorative vases.  

*Buttercups pair nicely with roses due to their similar shape and colour variety.

*Yellow buttercups, sunflowers and yellow orchids can be arranged for a gorgeous flower arrangement and décor.

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