Lesser celandine Ficaria verna 'Orange Sorbet' (d)
ABOUT
Ficaria verna 'Orange Sorbet', also known commonly as lesser celandine 'Orange Sorbet', is a charming and vibrant perennial plant. It has a lush carpet of deep green, heart-shaped, and sometimes nearly kidney-shaped leaves that provide a luscious backdrop for its distinctive flowers. The blooms of 'Orange Sorbet' are what set it apart, boasting a unique and bright orange hue. These flowers are typically composed of numerous petals that create a cup-like shape, exuding a cheerful essence in the spring landscape. The glossy and buttery texture of the petals catches the light, making the flowers seem to glow against the foliage. This variety of lesser celandine provides a lively burst of color that stands out in garden settings, especially during the times of the year when the plant is in full bloom.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Fig Buttercup, Lesser Celandine, Pilewort.
Common names
Ranunculus ficaria 'Orange Sorbet', Ficaria verna 'Brazen Hussy', Ranunculus ficariiformis 'Orange Sorbet'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Fig Buttercup is considered slightly toxic to humans. However, it is rarely ingested because of its unpalatable taste, and there is limited information about its toxicity to humans. If ingested, it may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It's important to keep this plant out of the reach of children who might be tempted to eat it.
To pets
Fig Buttercup is also slightly toxic to pets. If pets ingest this plant, they might experience symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly drooling or abdominal pain. It is advisable to prevent pets from having access to this plant to avoid any potential health issues. If you suspect your pet has ingested Fig Buttercup, contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Aesthetics: Ficaria verna 'Orange Sorbet' adds vibrant orange shades to garden spaces during its flowering season, enhancing the visual appeal of the area.
- Erosion Control: The plant can help prevent soil erosion due to its ground-covering habit, especially in shaded or woodland garden areas.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy perennial, it requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance options.
- Wildlife Support: The flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators emerging in spring.
- Tolerant of Various Conditions: It can tolerate a range of soil types and is suitable for planting in parts of the garden where other plants might struggle.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ficaria verna 'Orange Sorbet' can be used as a natural dye source, where the leaves produce varying shades of green and yellow on fabrics.
- The plant is sometimes incorporated in ornamental crafts, such as pressed flower arrangements, due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
- It can serve as an educational tool in botany or horticulture classes to study plant growth patterns and reproductive strategies.
- In landscape design, Ficaria verna 'Orange Sorbet' may be used for erosion control on banks or slopes thanks to its dense mat-forming habit.
- Children can participate in a nature-based activity by creating leaf rubbings of its heart-shaped leaves.
- Gardeners occasionally use it as a ground covering in fairy and miniature gardens due to its small, low-growing form.
- It can be a suitable subject for botanical illustration, providing an opportunity for artists to study and render its intricate details.
- Ficaria verna 'Orange Sorbet' can be utilized in biodiversity projects to attract and provide habitat for certain insects and pollinators.
- The plant can be a resource in photography workshops for practicing macro photography, highlighting its bright, contrast-colored flowers.
- It might be used in culinary presentations as a decorative, non-toxic garnish for dishes (though it's not commonly eaten).
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Ficaria verna, commonly known as lesser celandine, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant lesser celandine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Ficaria verna, commonly known as Lesser Celandine, typically heralds the advent of spring. Its ability to bloom early in the year and weather late winter conditions symbolizes resilience and the capacity to endure challenging times.
- Renewal: The appearance of Lesser Celandine's bright flowers as one of the first signs of spring represents rebirth and the start of a new cycle, symbolizing hope and the promise of fresh beginnings.
- Celebration of Nature: 'Orange Sorbet,' with its distinctive orange hue, celebrates the beauty of the natural world and can symbolize the joy one finds in nature's diversity.
- Healing: Historically, Lesser Celandine has been used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments. Its inclusion in a garden or as a motif can represent healing and the importance of health.
WaterThe Lesser celandine, also known as Ficaria verna 'Orange Sorbet', should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Generally, providing about 1 inch of water once a week is sufficient. During the growing season, in spring, they may require more frequent watering if the weeks are particularly dry. Adjust the frequency to meet the moisture needs of the plant without causing waterlogged soil. In gallons, this equates to roughly 0.5 gallons per square foot every week. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
LightFor the Lesser celandine 'Orange Sorbet', the best light conditions are partial shade to full shade. A spot that receives filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade would be ideal. They can tolerate full shade, but flowering may be reduced. Avoid placing them in full sun, as this can scorch the foliage and stress the plant.
TemperatureLesser celandine 'Orange Sorbet' thrives in cooler temperatures and is hardy in a range from about 28°F to 86°F, with the ideal growing temperatures being between 50°F and 70°F. It is important to protect the plant from extreme heat, as prolonged exposure to temperatures above this range may harm the plant.
PruningLesser celandine 'Orange Sorbet' typically requires minimal pruning. Pruning is mainly done to remove dead or yellowing foliage after flowering, which encourages healthy growth and tidies up the appearance. It is best to prune in late spring or early summer, as the plant begins to go dormant after flowering. Over-pruning or pruning at the wrong time can reduce the plant's vigor.
CleaningNot needed
SoilLesser Celandine 'Orange Sorbet' thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a mix of loam and organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to enhance fertility and structure.
RepottingLesser Celandine 'Orange Sorbet' doesn't typically require frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and address overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingLesser Celandine 'Orange Sorbet' prefers a moderate humidity level but is adaptable to a range of conditions as long as the soil moisture is maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Lesser Celandine 'Orange Sorbet' in bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant Lesser Celandine 'Orange Sorbet' in part shade and keep soil consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleFicaria verna 'Orange Sorbet', commonly known as fig buttercup or lesser celandine, starts its life cycle when seeds or bulbils germinate in late winter to early spring. The plant rapidly produces a low rosette of glossy, heart-shaped leaves and soon after, it blooms with bright orange-yellow flowers. After flowering, typically in late spring, it sets seed while the foliage dies back and the plant enters a period of dormancy during the summer months. During dormancy, the plant survives underground with tubers or bulbils. In autumn, these storage organs may give rise to new plants which will overwinter in this state. The cycle begins anew when temperatures rise again and the plant breaks dormancy the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Ficaria verna 'Orange Sorbet', commonly known as fig buttercup or lesser celandine, is through division. This plant forms dense clumps and can be easily propagated by dividing these clumps in late fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the clump, ensuring that each division has a portion of the roots intact. You can then replant these divisions in well-draining soil, spacing them about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to give them sufficient room to grow. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Division is a quick and effective way to expand your collection of fig buttercups or to share them with fellow gardeners.
