Ranunculus asiaticus
James Waddick (Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:00:27 PST)
Ranunculus asiaticus has various attractive color forms in the wild, but
I've never seen it offered for sale. Rix's "Bulbs" describes it as "tender,
killed at -10 [C]," which would not strike us on the Pacific Coast as
"tender." Does anyone know where I can get some fresh seed or rhizomes of
this plant?
Dear Jane;
I got a single dried rhizome from Vlastimil Pilous in Czech
Rep a year ago last Fall. It bloomed true to color- bright red - in
spring and multiplied enough that I have a few that have already
started in active growth now. I believe he also offered a couple
other color forms, but he is very erratic about what he offers and
when. I keep it totally dry over winter and in a frost free
greenhouse. It is a beauty and easy in general. I suspect it would
do fine in your bulb frames.
The dormant plant looks like the florist Ranunculus, but on a
smaller scale: a cluster of tuberous roots attached to a single
growing point.
Mine has not outgrown a gallon nursery pot.
Best Jim W.
--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
Summer 100F +