The undisputed champion for Southern gardens is the species Ranunculus asiaticus and its vast array of cultivars. These plants are prized for their exquisitely layered, rose-like blooms and incredible spectrum of colors. From a plant's perspective, our success in the South hinges on well-draining soil and a specific planting schedule. Our corms are typically planted in the fall (October-November) to establish a root system through the cool winter. This allows us to harness the energy of the mild Southern spring to produce a spectacular display of flowers from March to May, before the intense summer heat arrives. We require full sun to partial afternoon shade and consistent moisture during our growth and bloom period, but our soil must never be waterlogged to prevent corm rot.
As cultivated varieties of Ranunculus asiaticus, we Tecolote® types are bred for superior performance. From our viewpoint, our main advantage is our significantly larger corms. This stored energy reserve translates into more robust plants with stronger, taller stems and much larger, often double, flowers. For the Southern gardener, this means a more reliable and dazzling display. Our cultural needs are identical to the species—fall planting in well-draining soil is non-negotiable. The payoff, however, is a breathtaking cut flower that can dominate the spring garden and vase arrangements for weeks.
We are a specific group of Ranunculus asiaticus cultivars, such as the 'La Belle' and 'Bloomdale' series, developed primarily for commercial cut flower production. Our plant physiology is optimized for prolific blooming on long, sturdy stems. For the dedicated home gardener in the South, choosing us means prioritizing quantity and stem length for arrangements. We produce an abundance of flowers from each corm. Our needs align with other ranunculus; excellent drainage is our paramount requirement to thrive in your climate. We will reward your care with a continuous harvest of blossoms throughout the spring.
While most popular ranunculus are treated as annuals in the South, some perennial species can persist with the right conditions. Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) and Ranunculus carolinianus (Carolina Buttercup) are two examples. Our perspective is one of adaptability to damper soils. We are not as showy as our Asiatic cousins, but we offer a naturalized, low-growing habit and bright yellow flowers. We can tolerate more moisture and even partial shade, making us a candidate for those tricky, consistently damp areas of the garden where other ranunculus would perish. However, gardeners should be cautious of our spreading nature.
