Ranunculus asiaticus Romance Maritime® - Persian buttercup

Ranunculus asiaticus Romance Maritime® is a florist's ranunculus of great ornamental quality. Thanks to its long, sturdy stems, it holds its superb, fully double flowers high. With an impressive diameter reaching up to 10 cm, their pastel shades range from cream to light pink, giving them charm and romance. It likes sun and mild winter climates, where it can flower early in the season. Plant it in spring borders and use it to make sumptuous cut flower arrangements. In colder climates, grow it as a bulbous annual.

Ranunculus is the flagship genus of the Ranunculaceae family, rich with around sixty genera, many of which are prized for ornament, such as Delphiniums, or Larkspur, Columbines or the large group of Clematis. There are nearly 500 species of buttercups, widely distributed in temperate regions of the globe. Ranunculus asiaticus, the Asian or florist's buttercup, is a tuberous perennial with summer dormancy native to the Mediterranean basin. It is found in Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, growing naturally in meadows and rocky areas. Massively hybridised and selected for centuries, there are now several hundred cultivars, not always formally registered. The Romance™ series is the work of the Japanese Aya Engei, a recognised specialist of the genus, whose nursery is located in the city of Miazaki on the island of Kyushu (southern Japan, with a sunny climate).
The Romance Maritime variety is distinguished by the exceptional size of its flowers. The plant quickly forms an upright clump, 20 to 30 cm wide, with finely divided, medium to bright green foliage, which is very ornamental. It is arranged in a basal rosette, from which the large flower stems rise, commonly reaching 50 to 70 cm in height. The thick stems are not hollow and are therefore sturdy. They thus particularly highlight the large, fully double flowers, which measure 7 to 10 cm in diameter. They are made up of numerous petals tightly packed together, with slightly fringed tips. Structured in rosettes forming a cup that opens at maturity, the flowers are reminiscent of roses or peonies. Their colour is a variation of cream, white and light pink, soft shades that give them their romantic charm. Near the Mediterranean coast, flowering spans 4 to 6 weeks, between February and April. In slightly cooler regions, it will bloom between April and June. After flowering, the vegetation is still green and active, and the process of photosynthesis replenishes reserves in the claws (tubers). Then they begin to yellow and soften, before drying completely in summer, as the plant enters vegetative rest.

Ranunculus Romance Maritime® is a high-quality variety, perfect for creating beautiful cut flower arrangements. It thrives in mild climates (minimum temperatures -5°/-6°C in very well-drained soil), preferably in full sun. Plant it in borders together with Tulips, which will accompany it in your spring cut flower arrangements. A few  Peonies will extend the flowering season of your display, and you can also add some Achilleas to enjoy flowers until the end of summer.