Persian Buttercup Ranunculus asiaticus 'Aviv Rose' (Aviv Series)
ABOUT
The Persian buttercup 'Aviv Rose' belonging to the Aviv Series is a striking flowering plant renowned for its beautiful bloom features. This variety boasts large, rose-like flowers that will captivate admirers with their double-layered petals arranged densely to create a fluffy, full appearance. The 'Aviv Rose' flowers typically present in a lush, vibrant pink hue that can add a romantic and cheerful touch to any setting. The blossoms are supported by sturdy stems, which emerge from a clump of fresh green, finely divided leaves that offer a lush backdrop to the flamboyant flowers. The leaves have a somewhat lacy look, which further adds to the plant’s ornate charm. While in bloom, this Persian buttercup can become a showstopper in gardens, containers, or as a cut flower in bouquets, where it contributes a touch of elegance and a pop of color. It's worth noting that while these plants are eye-catching during their flowering period, when not in bloom, they still maintain a pleasing green presence with their attractive foliage. This particular variety, with its rose-like flowers, is especially prized for its striking ornamentation and rich color, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts and floral arrangers alike.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Persian Buttercup, Turban Buttercup, Asian Buttercup, Ranunculus 'Aviv Rose'
Common names
Ranunculus asiaticus 'Aviv Rose'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Persian Buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus 'Aviv Rose') contains toxic compounds that can cause irritation and discomfort when ingested. If any part of the plant is swallowed, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to convulsions or paralysis. The sap of the plant may also cause dermatitis upon skin contact.
To pets
Persian Buttercup is toxic to pets if ingested. It contains ranunculin, which can cause nausea, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, convulsions or paralysis. Contact with the sap of the plant may also cause skin irritation in animals. It is recommended to keep this plant out of reach of pets and to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of it.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Adds vibrant color and aesthetic beauty to gardens and landscapes with its attractive rose-like blossoms.
- Extended Bloom Time: Features a long flowering period, providing an extended display of color in spring and early summer.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and relatively easy to cultivate, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, exhibits a degree of drought resistance, which can be beneficial in regions with water scarcity or for low-maintenance gardening.
- Cut Flowers: Blooms are suitable for cutting and can be used to create colorful, fresh flower arrangements.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are vital for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for container planting, allowing for flexibility in garden design and the ability to grow in small spaces such as patios or balconies.
- Variety of Colors: Aviv Series offers a range of colors, providing gardeners with options to coordinate with other plants or design themes.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Photography Prop: Persian Buttercup can be used as an attractive subject for macro photography or as a part of a floral composition in photoshoots.
- Dye Production: Some species of ranunculus can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric, although detailed recipes might be scarce and experimentation required.
- Artistic Inspiration: The vivid colors of Persian Buttercup inspire artists to create paintings, drawings, or even floral designs in various art projects.
- Educational Tool: Botany students can study Persian Buttercup as an example of plant anatomy and reproductive systems since they have distinct flower structures.
- Culinary Garnish: While not edible, the petals of Persian Buttercup can be used to adorn dishes for visual presentation before being removed to eat.
- Book Pressing: The flowers of Persian Buttercup can be used for pressing in books to create dry flower bookmarks or other crafts.
- Craft Supplies: Dried petals or whole flowers can be incorporated into homemade paper or used in crafting activities like making potpourri.
- Bath Bombs: The petals, when dried and crushed, could be mixed into homemade bath bombs for decoration, not for their scent or any skin benefits.
- Wedding Confetti: Dried petals can be used as natural, biodegradable confetti at weddings or celebrations.
- Floating Decor: The blooms can be floated in bowls of water as part of table centerpieces or decorative features at events.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Persian buttercup is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Persian buttercup is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Charm and Attraction: Ranunculus asiaticus, commonly known as the Persian buttercup, often symbolizes charm and attraction due to its lush, full blooms and vibrant colors that draw the eye.
- Radiant Charm: The 'Aviv Rose' variety, with its rose-like appearance, is especially associated with radiant charm, enchanting beauty, and an irresistible allure that captivates those who encounter it.
- Romance: The Persian buttercup is frequently linked to romantic feelings and is used in floral arrangements to express deep romantic emotions and admiration.
- Dreams: The lushness of Ranunculus asiaticus may symbolize dreams and the pursuit of one's dreams, representing the dreamer's passion and perseverance to achieve their desires.
- Water
Persian Buttercups should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become slightly dry between waterings. Ideally, you want to water the plant once a week with about one to one and a half gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. It is important not to overwater as stagnant moisture can lead to root rot. During the growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is particularly dry or hot. In winter, reduce water to a minimum, just enough to keep the soil from completely drying out.
- Light
Persian Buttercups thrive best in full sun to partial shade. It is ideal to place them in a bright location where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in areas with particularly hot summers, they benefit from some afternoon shade to protect them from intense, direct heat which can scorch their leaves.
- Temperature
Persian Buttercups perform well in temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prefer not to be exposed to such cold for extended periods. The ideal temperature range for these plants is from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage growth and flowering.
- Pruning
Persian Buttercups should be pruned to remove spent flowers and dead or yellowing leaves to encourage healthy growth and more blooms. Pruning is typically done after the flowering period, which usually ends in early summer. Deadheading, or the removal of faded flowers, can be done as needed throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy and to promote further flowering.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Persian Buttercup thrives in a well-draining soil mix with good fertility. A mix containing equal parts peat, perlite, and loam works well. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Repotting
Persian Buttercups generally need repotting every 1-2 years or when you notice they have outgrown their current container. Check for overcrowding every spring before new growth starts.
- Humidity & Misting
Persian Buttercups prefer moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range from 40% to 70%. Avoid environments that are too humid to prevent fungal issues.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Persian Buttercups in a bright spot with cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; partial sun to full sun.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
- Life cycle
The Persian Buttercup 'Aviv Rose' starts its life as a corm, a bulb-like storage organ, typically planted in the fall. After a period of dormancy, the plant sprouts in late winter to early spring, with leaves and stems emerging from the corm. This vegetative growth phase is followed by the development of vibrant rose-colored flowers, for which the cultivar is celebrated, blooming from late spring to early summer. After flowering, the plant sets seed, completing its reproductive phase. During the summer, once the blooming is over, the foliage begins to yellow and die back as the plant enters a period of senescence. The dormant corm can survive through the winter until the next growing season begins, continuing the life cycle of the Persian Buttercup.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Persian buttercup is through the division of its tubers. Propagation is typically done in late summer to early fall. To do this, carefully lift the plant from the soil and gently separate the tubers, ensuring that each division has at least one eye, or growth point. After dividing, let the cut surfaces dry for a day to heal and prevent rot. Plant the tubers about 2 inches (5 cm) deep and about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) apart in well-draining soil. This method allows for the clonal reproduction of the 'Aviv Rose' variety, preserving its unique characteristics.