Ranunculus asiaticus Crown Nervion® - Persian buttercup

Ranunculus asiaticus Crown Nervion® is a florist's ranunculus unlike any other. This Crown-type variety stands out with its orange flower topped with a prominent green tuft. Its abundant flowering and long stems make it an excellent cut flower, as well as a remarkable spring plant for the garden. Its decidedly different style and bright colours are much appreciated.

This variety belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. The type species, Ranunculus asiaticus, is commonly known as florist's ranunculus and Persian buttercup. It is a tuberous perennial, often grown as an annual, more persistent in Mediterranean climates. The wild form is native to the eastern Mediterranean and widespread as far as western and southwestern Iran. In the wild, it grows in regions with mild winters and drier summers. It is not very hardy, it grows during the cool season, flowers in spring, and rests in summer.

Crown Nervion® is a creation from the Romance™/Crown series, developed by Japanese breeder Aya Engei. The Crown group is characterised by a curious green crown that tops the flower. Crown Nervion® has a slightly smaller flower than some other Crown varieties, but it is very floriferous, with good stem length. The plant first forms a clump of basal leaves, then flower stems up to 50 cm tall. The deciduous foliage disappears after flowering during the summer dormancy. It flowers from April to June, depending on the planting date and climate. It will be earlier in mild climates and under cover. In Crown Nervion®, the flowers are double, 6-8 cm wide, composed of numerous satiny apricot-orange petals, tightly packed around a centre resembling a tuft of leaves. It is this floral architecture that makes it so unique.
Asian ranunculus has been cultivated and selected for floristry for a very long time, explaining the extraordinary diversity of its current horticultural forms.

Crown Nervion® is above all a flower for composing unusual cut flower arrangements. Plant it in small groups in a dedicated cut flower bed, or in a large pot near the house. In April-May, it combines beautifully with fringed tulip 'Vincent van Gogh', almost black, parrot tulip 'Super Parrot', green and white, columbine 'Black Barlow', a very dark purple, and ornamental garlic 'Mont Blanc', impressive with its large white umbels.
By lifting the tubers in autumn, before the frosts, you can grow this plant like a gladiolus.