RanunculusDeveloped from the species Ranunculus asiaticus (known as the Persian buttercup), this is a spring-flowering plant that grows from a tuber planted in autumn and is often treated as an annual - though some gardeners have success in digging up and storing the tubers in a dry spot over summer then replanting the following year. They grow about 40-65 cm high and have many-layered double poppy-like flowers in hues of red, blues, pinks, white, burgundy, orange, yellow and purples.
They grow well in Sydney though are also frost tolerant. It is best to soak the tubers overnight before planting them into a well-prepared soil amended with compost in a sunny, well-drained position (though they can also tolerate very light shade). Plant the tuber with its fat end facing down, and space the tubers about 5 cm apart. Cover them with about 2 cm of soil. It is best to have them in by early May at the latest. Keep the tubers well watered as they start to grow and apply regular fertiliser. The tubers can be planted in pots - use an appropriate, good-quality potting mix. The flowers are excellent cut for vases.