With their fluffy blooms and curvy stems, are there more beautiful arrangements than ranunculus bouquets? At The Bouqs Co., we think not!
Those same wavy stems and full blossoms can make it seem difficult to arrange ranunculus – you might be worried about getting them to look good in the vase. Not to worry – we’ve got your back with step-by-step tips on how to arrange ranunculus that will make you look like an expert!
Fun Facts About Ranunculus
Also known as buttercups, ranunculus are unique flowers with an interesting history and mythology.
Myths and Legends About Ranunculus
Cultures on opposite sides of the planet have different myths and legends about ranunculus flowers. Native Americans refer to the ranunculus as Coyote Eyes due to a legend where a bored coyote, looking to entertain himself, repeatedly took out his eyes, threw them in the air, and caught them. During this game, Eagle suddenly swooped down and snatched up Coyote’s eyes. The blind Coyote then wandered around buttercup fields until he found two blooms that would precisely replace his stolen eyes.
On the other side of the earth, the Persians have a story about a young prince dressed in green who fell in love with a beautiful nymph, whom he would visit and sing to all day and night. Other nymphs became so tired of it that they turned him into a ranunculus. A similar story says that the first nymph never returned the prince’s affection, so he died of heartbreak, and a ranunculus blooms in the spot where he died.
Ranunculus Symbolism
Since Victorian times, people have been sending buttercups to the objects of their affection as a symbol of charm and physical beauty. On the other hand, ranunculus grows abundantly in some rural areas, and certain communities consider buttercups to be a weed – maybe not the best gift, then, since buttercups may represent “ingratitude” in these areas!
Buttercups Can Glow
Did you know buttercups reflect UV light? Not only does it help the bloom look vibrantly yellow from every direction, but it helps attract bees to pollinate it. How do they do it?
Most plant petals have corrugated cells, but the ranunculus has mirror flat cells that bounce back light via an air gap between them. Cool, right?
Poultice or Poison?
On one hand, buttercups are toxic and can cause gastric upset to any creature that eats them – from pets to farm animals to human children. On the other hand, Native Americans use a ranunculus poultice to help treat skin ails like warts, boils, and eczema. Buttercup essential oil is also used in aromatherapy and purportedly has refreshing, uplifting, and energizing effects.
Surprising Solar Power of Ranunculus
Ranunculus blooms track the sun, forming their petals into cup shapes to collect solar energy to warm up. The cup-like shape of the blossom funnels sunlight directly into the center of the bloom, where its reproductive organs live. The sunlight boosts the flower’s pollen intake, ripens its stamens, and provides an overall power boost to the whole plant.
Long-Lasting Blooms
While some flowers wilt shortly after being cut, buttercups can live as long as 7 or more days without any special food or care instructions. While regular stem trims and water refreshes will extend their lifespan, the longevity of the ranunculus makes it a popular centerpiece in bridal bouquets.
What Are the Differences Between Ranunculus and Peonies?
Although they look similar, there are a few differences between ranunculus and peonies. The best way to tell the two flowers apart is that the space between petals on a ranunculus is much more clearly defined.
Brief History About Ranunculus Cultivation Around the World
Native to Southwest Asia, the ranunculus was first introduced to Europe during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century.
The word “ranunculus” is Latin for “little frog,” possibly because the flower’s natural habitat is near streams and other damp areas where frogs may live.
How to Unbox and Prepare A Ranunculus Bouquet
You should bring in your ranunculus Bouq as soon as you can – we’ll even send you an email saying it’s been delivered, just in case the delivery person doesn’t knock. Remove the plastic wrap from the bouquet, save your flower food, and then untangle the curvy stems.
Before arranging your Bouq, cut or pull off any foliage that would fall below the waterline and cut at least 1” off each stem at a 45° angle using sharp shears. Blunt shears may crush the hollow stem, making it harder for the flower to drink water and thrive.
How to Arrange Ranunculus
As you place ranunculus blooms in a vase (filled with warm water, flower food, and a teaspoon of sugar), go back and forth between the sides of the vase and alternate between flowers and greenery for a balanced arrangement. Keep in mind that ranunculus flower stems have a natural curve. Work WITH the curve, rather than against it, for the best results.
Ranunculus stems arrive in bud form and open up over time, so make sure you leave enough room between each bloom for each one to fully open up to its prime glory.
How to Care for Your Ranunculus Arrangement
Wondering how to care for ranunculus to help your Bouq look beautiful for as long as possible? Here are some tips:
- Keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight and hot or cold drafts
- Make sure your pets can’t access your flowers – ranunculus are toxic if eaten
- Every two days, re-trim the stems, change the water, and add more flower nutrients
That’s all the care you need to give your arrangement to keep it looking amazing for as long as 7-10 days!
Spread Kindness With Ranunculus From The Bouqs Co.
Show somebody unexpected kindness by surprising them with a ranunculus Bouq. Buttercups symbolize charm and attractiveness, making them a flattering gift for just about anyone. Cut to order and shipped directly from the farm, Bouqs are long-lasting, thoughtful gifts for all the important people in your life, no matter the occasion.
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