Lesser celandine 'Brazen Hussy' Ficaria verna 'Brazen Hussy'
ABOUT
'Brazen Hussy' is a compact tuberous rooted perennial, dying down in summer. Glossy, heart-shaped, deep blackish-bronze leaves to 5cm long contrast with bright yellow flowers 3cm wide, in early spring
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Lesser Celandine, Pilewort, Fig Buttercup, Smallwort, Brighteye, Cheesecups
Common names
Ranunculus ficaria L., Ficaria grandiflora Robert, Ficaria verna Huds.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Dark-green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
8 inches (20 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Groundcover: Ficaria verna 'Brazen Hussy' forms a dense carpet of foliage, providing a lush, green cover that prevents weeds from establishing.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant has striking dark purple to black foliage contrasted with bright yellow flowers, adding visual interest to garden beds.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being low maintenance and is easily cultivated in a variety of soil types and conditions.
- Tolerant of Various Light Conditions: This plant can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for different garden locations.
- Spring Interest: With its early bloom time, the plant offers a welcome burst of color in the garden during early spring when other plants have not yet started to flower.
- Nature-friendly: The flowers provide an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators emerging in the spring.
- Good for Erosion Control: Its dense growth can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil displacement.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ficaria verna, commonly known as lesser celandine, can be used as a natural dye. The yellow flowers can produce a range of yellow to orange hues when used for dyeing fabrics or even crafting inks.
- Lesser celandine can be featured in floral art and design for its vibrant yellow flowers that add a pop of color to spring bouquets and arrangements.
- As a ground cover, lesser celandine can be used in landscaped areas to create a dense mat that suppresses weeds and covers bare spots, especially in areas where turf grass struggles.
- In ponds and water garden settings, lesser celandine can be grown at water margins to provide cover for amphibians and to offer a natural, wild look.
- The plant's dense foliage can serve as a living mulch in garden beds, helping to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature extremes.
- With careful management, lesser celandine can be used for erosion control on banks and slopes due to its ability to form a thick root mat.
- The nectar of lesser celandine's flowers can be a food source for early-emerging pollinators such as bees and butterflies when few other plants are in bloom.
- In nature education and outdoor learning environments, lesser celandine can be used to teach about native and invasive species, as it is considered invasive in some regions.
- For ecological studies, lesser celandine might be observed to understand its competitive strategies and impact on local plant biodiversity.
- In a permaculture setting, carefully controlled patches of lesser celandine can provide an early spring food source for domesticated wildlife, such as ducks or chickens, which may forage on the leaves and stems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLesser celandine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLesser celandine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Ficaria verna, commonly known as Lesser Celandine, emerges early in spring, symbolizing the ability to bounce back and thrive even after harsh conditions.
- Renewal: Its bright yellow flowers herald the arrival of spring, representing new beginnings and the cycle of rebirth.
- Hope: The cheerful appearance of Lesser Celandine offers hope and positivity, often being one of the first signs of life after a long winter.
- Adaptability: Lesser Celandine's widespread presence indicates its ability to adapt to various environments, hence embodying flexibility and versatility.
- Healing: Historically used for medicinal purposes, it represents healing and the power of nature to restore health.
WaterLesser celandine should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. Ideally, the plant should be watered once a week with approximately one gallon of water, depending on the local climate and soil drainage. During periods of drought or extreme heat, it may require additional water to ensure the soil remains moist. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is crucial to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
LightLesser celandine thrives in dappled sunlight to partial shade. The best spot for it is under the canopy of open trees or in an area where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the foliage of the plant.
TemperatureLesser celandine can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, thriving in conditions between 30°F and 75°F. It is hardy to USDA zones 4 through 8 and can survive winter temperatures as low as -30°F. Ideally, the plant should be grown in a region where average temperatures stay within the ideal range for optimal growth.
PruningPruning lesser celandine is not usually necessary, as the plant is self-maintaining and dies back naturally after flowering in late spring. However, if you wish to control its spread, trim back the plant after flowering. The best time for pruning is immediately after the foliage starts to yellow and die back.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Lesser Celandine is well-draining, fertile loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Incorporate compost or leaf mold to enrich the soil and provide proper nutrition.
RepottingLesser Celandine should not often be repotted as it is typically grown as an annual or it naturalizes in outdoor conditions; repotting is rare unless for propagation.
Humidity & MistingLesser Celandine thrives in moderate humidity levels typical of outdoor environments; no special humidity requirements are needed for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and keep in moist, well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, and naturalize in gardens or woodlands.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleFicaria verna 'Brazen Hussy', commonly known as lesser celandine or fig buttercup, begins its life cycle when the temperature increases in late winter or early spring, as it emerges from small bulbils or tubers underground. It quickly grows into a low-lying, heart-shaped, dark bronze-green leaved plant, which is distinctive to the 'Brazen Hussy' variety. The plant then produces bright yellow flowers with glossy petals that attract early-season pollinators. After flowering, which lasts several weeks, the plant sets seed and may also propagate vegetatively via bulbils. By late spring or early summer, as temperatures rise and other vegetation shades the ground, lesser celandine dies back to its tubers, entering dormancy through summer and into fall. The dormant tubers await the next cycle of cool temperatures to repeat the process.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method to propagate Ficaria verna 'Brazen Hussy', commonly known as lesser celandine, is through division. This process is ideally done in the late summer or early fall, after the plant has finished flowering and has started to die back. To divide lesser celandine, carefully dig up the plant, taking care not to damage the tubers. Separate the clumps of tubers into smaller sections, ensuring that each new clump has at least one growth bud. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were originally growing, about 2 inches (approximately 5 cm) deep, and water thoroughly to establish the new plants. Division is an effective way to increase your plants and manage their growth in your garden.
