For many people around the world, buttercups are a special flower that holds plenty of significance. This is because blooming buttercup flowers signal the end of cold winter months and represent the transition into warmer, sunnier days.
Buttercups are some of the most bright and most beautiful springtime flowers that you can grow in your garden and they are sure to induce cheer and happiness after a long, cold winter!
What Is A Buttercup Flower?
Buttercup flower originate from the large genus of Ranunculus flowers. They have some of the most yellow and shiny petals that you will ever see, and they are sure to add a pop of summery colour to your garden when they start blooming in the wintertime. Buttercup flowers grow in many different wild and indigenous areas, but they are also perfect for sprucing up the yard and adding a bit of pizzazz to your home.
Scientists generally believe that buttercup flower has a bright yellow colouring as a natural mechanism to attract pollinators, much like sunflowers. This means that the buttercup flower is one of the most important plants when it comes to ushering in the newer, warmer seasons. They help facilitate the cycle between mostly dead plants during winter, to a blooming and colourful array of flowers during the summer. Bees in particular love buttercup flowers and Ranunculus in general.
Many believe that buttercup flower is native to the Asian continent, even though they have spread to nearly every country around the world. In general, the common buttercup flower will grow as tall as 12 feet, meaning that should you plant one in your garden during the springtime, it will most likely tower over your entire family by the time the next year rolls around! Fully grown buttercup flowers also tend to produce 3-5 inch double-bloom flowers.
When To Plant Buttercup Flowers
Buttercup flower tends to fully bloom in the spring to summer time months annually. They aren’t particularly hardy plants so it would be a poor decision to plant them right before winter begins. Instead, wait until the last few weeks of winter and begin to plant your bulbs as you can feel a change in the temperature and cold weather conditions. This means that the buttercup flower will get the requisite sunlight during the springtime and will hopefully be in their infancy stages during the summer months!
Where To Plant Buttercup Flowers
Buttercup flowers have specific growing conditions that you should try to adhere to in order to cultivate the healthiest bloom from the flowers in the future. If you meet these growing conditions it is likely that your plant will grow faster, be a lot more colourful, and perhaps even be able to survive the harsh winter months when they do eventually come around again.
Buttercups need to be planted in an area that experiences daily full or partial sunlight. The fact that the buttercup flowers are so yellow is a good indication and reminder that these plants need the sun. Planting them in the shade will weaken their canes, decrease the colouring, and loosen their roots.
You should also look to plant these flowers in fluffy and moist soil that has a good amount of drainage. Sandy soil is also great for buttercup flowers because it allows just the right amount of water moisture to nourish the plant and then drain away quickly.
How To Plant Buttercup Flowers
The planting process for buttercup flowers is extremely uncomplicated in comparison to many other types of common garden flowers, like lilac or lavender, for instance. Once you have the perfect spot sorted out for your buttercup flower, follow these steps to plant and grow them properly:
- Buttercup flowers start from the roots or the tubers. Start by digging a hole that is around 2 inches deep and bury the root of the flower.
- These roots should be lightly covered with soil after being planted.
- Ensure that you water the roots every day as germination and growth take around three weeks for these plants.
As you can see, buttercup flowers are extremely easy to plant. It’s as simple as burying the seeds, roots, or tubers into a hole. Ensuring that it gets enough sunlight, and occasionally lightly watering the plant. It’s as easy as that!
What Is The Meaning Of Buttercup Flowers?
As explained above, the buttercup flower, for many people, symbolises the transition from winter into spring and brings a sense that difficult days and cold months are now a thing of the past. For many people, seeing the buttercups starting to bloom, as the days get sunnier, is simply one of the happiest and most blissful times of the year. This should be reason enough for you to plant a little bouquet of buttercup flowers in your garden!
In its region of origin, which is Asia, buttercup flower is used to symbolise humility, neatness, and charm. The bright yellow flowers are also referred to as coyote eyes in the United States, perhaps due to their dangerous poisonous contents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buttercup Flowers
What Makes The Buttercup Flower Different To Other Common Garden Flowers
The buttercup flower is a little special and unique because they grow from their roots or fibrous tubers.
Are Buttercup Flowers Poisonous?
One of the biggest downsides to having the buttercup flower in your garden is the fact that they are poisonous to both humans and bigger animals like cows or horses. If you eat one of the petals from a buttercup flower you are likely to get sick and should consult a doctor. It is also essential that you keep any of the flowers or stem oil away from your eyes as it is a major irritant.
What Do Buttercup Flowers Smell Like?
Buttercup flowers do not have a truly distinctive fragrance that is noticeable on impact. Instead, it tends to have a light floral fragrance that isn’t too unique.
Now that you know all about these fabulous yellow flowers, the next time someone asks you what’s up buttercup, you can tell them – literally!