Ranunculus
Ranunculus
“radiant charm”
In the Victorian language of flowers, a ranunculus told its recipient 'I am dazzled by your charms', a compliment paid in dozens of tissue-thin petals. A cousin of the humble buttercup, the Persian ranunculus was prized in Ottoman gardens long before it reached Europe. Its tightly ruffled heads open slowly in the vase, which is part of the pleasure of having them.
In season, and in the studio
Ranunculus is in season January to May; it is not in the studio in September, and a bunch asked for it then is offered the nearest stem instead. In the studio's bunches it is a focal flower: the one a bunch is built around, with the others chosen to frame it. The studio buys it in white, peach and burgundy, and at the bench each colour is read for its own meaning.
What each colour says
- Whitepurity and fresh starts
- Peachgentle warmth and modest admiration
- Burgundydeep, romantic intensity
Right for
Arranges beautifully with
Pairings follow the florist's rule: one voice leads and the others frame it (focal, secondary, texture, green).