Today’s Flowers
Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus). Such a strange name for these rainbow-colored flowers. The Latin word ranunculus means “little frog”, and used in naming these flowers probably refers to the swampy places in which they usually grow. Click any photo to enlarge.
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Orange and purple ranunculus
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According to flowers.org.uk (an excellent website for interesting flower info, by the way), the mythology surrounding these flowers and how they came to be known as ranunculus is as follows:
In fairy tales frogs are apt to change into princes and it was an Asian prince in just such a story who gave his name to this flower, which grows naturally in swampy ground. The prince was so good-looking that he was loved by everyone. He also had a beautiful voice but this was his undoing. He loved the open country and sang delightful songs in the presence of nymphs. He did not have the courage to declare his love to them and this haunted him so much that he died. After his death he was changed into the flower with delicate tissuey petals which bears his name.
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Purple ranunculus bloom
I recently bought two pots of these and was tempted to buy a dozen more. Aren’t they gorgeous? The flowers are large and intricate with many layers of petals and come in an amazing array of colors and combinations. I have never had much luck growing these plants from bulbs, and after seeing the tag that came with these that lists them as hardy only to 45 degrees, I can understand why. They are a tropical plant and would not survive our winters here. The roots would have to be dug up and kept indoors during the colder months. I probably won’t bother planting these outdoors, but will bring them in and just enjoy their flowers in my kitchen window for the month or so that they last.
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Potted ranunculus on an outdoor table
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These plants are in the buttercup family, and all parts are poisonous and handling them may cause contact dermatitis in some people.
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Your flowers are gorgeous;the color combination is so pretty. I grew some of these years ago, and your post reminds me I need to try some again. I love the myriad of tissue like petals on these flowers.
Jan
Always Growing
I did not know this about these flowers… very interesting to know.
They are absolutely beautiful and they almost have that appearance of tissue paper flowers… stunning photos!
Hi Jan and Michele,
I really love these flowers too! Thanks for your comments.
-Sherry
The best-looking frogs I have ever seen! :-)
Beautiful photos of such bright colorful flowers!
The ranuncles are so beautiful! I love their bright colours! Thank you for explaning their name!
such stunning colours..
Gill in Canada
Ranunculus are so pretty and I struggled resisting them the other day. Too many things I already bring in to add one more beauty.
Wonderfully informative post! Terrific colors on these blooms. I live in Southwest Florida – they might survive here.
Tink *~*~*
Getting ready for the Flower and Garden Festival
They are gorgeous indeed! I love those colours very much. Thanks for your visit. Have a great week.
They do not look at all like frogs. Thanks for the background on how they got their name. They remind me of paper flowers, the ones you create with crepe paper.
I love these flowers, have never tried to grow them. At least not yet!!
They are exceptional. We call them Ranunkel in swedish. Lovely to get the story behind the name. I just love the texture, the many layers and the strong colours of these flowers.
The colours are so pretty! Lovely blossoms.
My Today’s Flower’s post is at
More of Me – EG
Thank you for sharing this very interesting flower. I have never seen it before . The colors are stunning. Great information too and I enjoyed the story of the prince.
Love the 2 colors together. They compliment each other well Smiles B
Lovely blossoms!
Thanks for sharing, and for visiting me…
Hugs from Portugal!
Lurdes
The purple must be a new cultivar. Traditionally they come in a range of warm colours only. I have loads of them and they seed readily and flower from the seedling in the first year.
I love all of your Ranunculus pictures!
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Those are soooo pretty! I’m glad you posted the name of them and the info. I didn’t know they were poisonous. Great shots!
Very interesting the story of this flower and they are beautiful and colorful.
Have a nice week!
I love ranunculus! Always a welcome sight in the Spring pots on Easter Sunday!
Sherry: What a neat look a a flower I could not have named. they do come in beautiful colors.
Marvelous information about these beautiful flowers and lovely photos too. Thanks for sharing.
Hugs and blessings,
I never would have thought purple and orange would be so gorgeous together!
I’ll have to look for some of these.
Ah, they were my Mother’s favorite flower, and she used to like to grow them every year! Very pretty! Always such wonderful colors!
Thanks, everyone. Enjoyed seeing all the beautiful flowers this week.
-Sherry
Intriguing post with the story of the frog prince. These are really gorgeous shots (and flowers!) what a cherry flower.