WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE RANUNCULUS?

Photo by Secret Garden from Pexels

Where should I start? Should I talk about the many petalled flower heads, the long willowy stems, the array of colours that they are available in, their versatility or just their overall beauty.

You can use just one or two of these stems in a cluster of stem vases on a reception table to create a perfectly pretty centrepiece.

The Ranunculus is a very popular flower for spring wedding bouquets since they are available from January through to May.

They work very well with peonies, roses and anemones. In fact they work well with the majority of flowers.

Pack them together in a posy bouquet or take advantage of their nodding heads and just let them do what they do best and allow them to bob gently in a loose tied bouquet. Just a few of these stems can bring such a delightful airy feel to a bride's bouquet, and if you're looking for a flower that will help you to create a romantic air to your wedding then you have found it.

COLOURS

Ranunculus come in some beautiful colours ranging from ivory white, pastel pinks and yellows to the most beautiful and vibrant of reds.

HOT TIP!

If you're planning on having pink in your wedding flowers you should really consider using the Ranunculus Amandine Rose, a beautiful flower with many layers of attractive, ruffled pink petals.

PITFALLS THAT CAN BE PREVENTED

If you're planning to use ranunculus in your wedding bouquets it really will be to your advanage if you understand exactly what these flowers need to keep them looking their best on your special day.

1. Ranunculus are not the toughest of flowers so you will have to treat them with kid gloves.

2. Ranunculus are not the cheapest flowers around, and their hollow stems do not allow you to handle them incorrectly without easily becoming damaged.

3. If you need to control the positioning of your ranunculus flowers in your bouquet then use floristry wire to straighten / keep their naturally curling stems in one place.

​​4. The wire will also help in strengthening the stem as well.

5. Use a tall vase with just a few inches of water.

6. Cut the stems at an angle to encourage them to have a good drink of water.

7. They are thirsty flowers you might need to give them fresh water everyday.

8. Don't give your ranunculus freezing cold water, room temperature is better.

9. Always add fresh flower food if you have it.

10. Don't overcrowd ranunculus, their blooms need room to open.

11. Keep water away from the blooms if you can. Ranunculus flowers are prone to going mouldy quite easily.

12. Some people may advise that after you have cut your ranunculus stems you could then pour water into each stem, placing your thumb on the end, don't turn it the right way up until you get it into the vase of water. Good if you can do it, but if not don't worry too much.

13. As with all fresh flowers don't forget to remove any foliage that is at the bottom of your flowers. Leaves left in water will rot and shorten the life of your flowers.

14. Cut about an inch off the bottom of each stem. Cut them at a 45 degree angle.

15. Cutting your flowers while holding them under water is the best way.

16. Whatever you use to cut your flower stems make sure the blades are sharp. A blunt blade will crush the flower stems.

17. Try to place your cut flowers out of direct sunlight. Too much sun will shorten their life.

18. Keep your fresh flowers away from fresh fruit and vegetables. The ethylene released by fruit and vegetables can drastically shorten the life of you fresh flowers.

PC Creations Leeds wishes you every success with your ranunculuses.

Get in touch if you have any questions.

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