Flowers and Their Meaning: Ranunculus

Is there a flower more trendy, sweet and romantic than the ranunculus right now? These fairy-tale blooms have exploded in popularity in recent times as a prime choice for bridal bouquets and table centrepieces.  

Initially recognised as cost-effective alternatives to roses and peonies, these multi-petalled beauties have transitioned into a choice bloom in their own right. With a whimsical feel, ranunculus flowers create fanciful bouquets and corsages and are available in a range of colours including white, yellow, orange and pink.  

Sometimes known as Buttercup flowers or Coyote’s Eyes, these striking blooms were first found in the Far East around the thirteenth century. Mildly-scented, they commonly feature several blossoms per stem, each with thin, layered, crepe-paper-like petals.

While these beauties flourish in warmer climates than can bloom in cooler locations after the threat of frost has passed.  

While the beautiful ranunculus genus includes over 400 species, only one type, the Ranunculus Asiaticus, is used in floristry. While they make for beautiful bouquets, list them under inedible, as all Ranunculus species are poisonous to livestock. Thankfully, their bitter taste sees them remain untouched in most cases.

In the Language of Flowers

These fairy tale-like blooms are used to create whimsical and romantic bouquets, particularly for weddings, so it’s no real surprise that they relay a particularly sweet sentiment.

In the language of flowers, a bouquet of ranunculus says, “I am dazzled by your charms.”