Ranunculus aquatilis
white water-crowfoot
Ranunculus aquatilis is a short-lived, oxygenating aquatic perennial that grows in mats with submerged leaves divided into thread-like segments, and palmately lobed floating leaves. Solitary white 'buttercup' flowers with yellow centres 2cm (1in) across are borne in summer. A super, low maintenance wildlife plant for pools, slow running water courses, and pond margins where it creates important shade and protective cover for fish and invertebrates living in the water below and around it.
How to care for Ranunculus aquatilis:
Supplied as weighted bunches, submerge in up to 60cm (2ft) in depth of water in an aquatic basket and soil, or in puddled or partly submerged pond margins. Cut back after flowering.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.1m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Aquatic
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
