10 Varieties Of Ranunculus You Should Plant In October For A Beautiful Spring Garden

If you're a fan of full-bodied, multi-layered blooms, there's a good chance you'll like the ranunculus. And October can actually be the perfect time to plant these stunning blooms, depending on your region. These flowers have been used for centuries in many parts of the world for decoration as well as medicinal purposes. Today, there are over 600 varieties of ranunculus, meaning there is a huge range of colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from. Most ornamental varieties that are popular today come from the Ranunculus asiaticus species, which feature thin, layered petals that bloom in spring and early summer.

For zones seven or higher, the best time to plant ranunculus bulbs is autumn, as they should be able to survive the winter outdoors with only mild protection, such as a frost blanket. In colder regions, such as hardiness zones one-six, they should be planted in a greenhouse or warmer location throughout the chilliest months, or it may be advisable to wait until late winter or early spring to plant them.

Be aware that a few specific varieties of ranunculus, such as creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens 'Buttered Popcorn') and fig buttercup (Ficaria verna) are invasive in some parts of the United States. None of the Ranunculus asiaticus varieties listed below are considered invasive in the U.S., but it is always a good idea to check the variety you would like to plant using trusted sources, like Invasive.org. Keep in mind, too, that ranunculus are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested, so they should be planted out of reach of animals and children. Ranunculus grow best in a well-drained, sunny position, though they can also be grown in containers providing the soil is not overly wet.

Spring is often associated with pastel colors that bring a spark of color and sweetness after a long winter. If you're a fan of this bright, airy color palette, then you may be interested in planting the ranunculus variety Amandine Salmon (Ranunculus asiaticus 'Amandine Salmon') in your garden.

At first glance, this flower seems to be a single color. However, upon closer inspection, you will see that its blooms actually feature a range of shades from salmon to dusty rose and even some peachy-orange. This ranunculus is, therefore, perfect for creating a dynamic, pastel color palette that's perfect for spring.

If you're a fan of springy, pastel colors but you'd like more of a sunset tone in your yard, why not opt for the striking 'Tecolote Orange' (Ranunculus asiaticus 'Tecolote Orange') variety? The flower is named after the Spanish word for 'owl' because these birds nested on the property of settler Luther Gage, who began growing ranunculus in California in the 1920s. This variety's dark green center offers a nice contrast to its burnt-orange petals that is sure to charm your springtime visitors. You can pair this — and other ranunculus plants — with the similarly-colored African Daisy (arctotis) for a beautiful copper and gold theme in your yard.

Looking to add a bit of romance to your yard this coming spring but aren't keen on growing roses? Well, the ranunculus variety 'Tomer Red' (Ranunculus asiaticus 'Tomer Red') could be the perfect solution for you. With its classic rose-red petals, this flower has beauty and charm in spades and will look perfect in your flower garden. Similar to other ranunculus varieties, the 'Tomer Red' blooms for around four to seven weeks, meaning you should have beautiful, romantic color in your yard well into the summer.

For an even moodier red color that brings drama to your yard, you could swap out the Tomer for 'La Belle Chocolate' (Ranunculus asiaticus 'La Belle Chocolate'). Named for its deep, almost chocolatey red color, these blooms are a brilliant addition to any yard that is lacking a sense of elegance. They also make great cut flowers due to their rich color, large heads, and thick stems. Most ranunculus, including La Belle Chocolate, work well as cut flowers as they can survive in a vase for nearly two weeks.

Enhance the rich colors of your outdoor space even further with the 'Cloni Success Nerone' (Ranunculus asiaticus 'Cloni Success Nerone'). With a strong purple-red color that looks almost black, these blooms are as unique as they are impressive. The 'Cloni' variety of ranunculus are bred in Italy, where the bulbs are "cloned" in a lab. This results in more predictable blooms as well as an avoidance of common diseases. The bulbs, or 'corm,' of this ranunculus can be purchased from various flower nurseries such as Fleur Farm.

Do you like the interesting purple color of the 'Cloni Success Nerone' but are worried that the solid color will feel a little overwhelming for your space? The 'Sprinkles Violet Bicolor' variety (Ranunculus asiaticus 'Sprinkles Violet Bicolor') is a great option for smaller yards that can feel dominated by dark colors because its white leaves are only lightly edged in a beautiful purple shade. Each bloom develops an eye-catching dipped-paint pattern, creating an interesting texture that is great for both the garden and in a cut flower display.

The 'Sprinkles Violet Bicolor' isn't the only two-toned ranunculus available. The Ranunculus asiaticus 'Flamenco' is a beautiful orange and yellow cultivar that looks like the floral version of golden hour. Its blooms are tipped in orange, but as you get closer to the center, they blend into a soft, yellow color that makes each petal stand out. To get the best blooms on this and other ranunculus varieties, it is recommended to soak the corm bulbs in water for three to four hours before planting.

Another Italian cultivar, the 'Cloni Ponpon Hermione' (Ranunculus asiaticus 'Cloni Ponpon Hermione') looks as interesting as its name suggests. 'Ponpon' refers to the shape of its petals, which have a unique frilled appearance almost like crumpled tissue paper. The Hermione variety comes in a light pink color that is perfect for adding a soft beauty to your spring garden. In addition, the ranunculus Hermione is one of the pink flowers you can grow indoors, just make sure to keep it out of reach of pets and children due to its toxicity.

If you're a fan of unusual-looking blooms, why not try planting the Ranunculus asiaticus 'Super Green Cream' in your garden so that it's ready for the spring? This layered flower has outer petals in a creamy white color, but the center of the bloom is what makes it really unique. Its dark green middle creates a high contrast with the white outer petals for a captivating effect. For a long-lasting floral display that will truly amaze its recipient, collect these flowers when they feel soft to the touch, as this is a sign that they are about to open.

Finally, if you're hoping to get a whole burst of different colors out of one plant, you need look no further than Bloomingdale (Ranunculus asiaticus var. nanus Bloomingdale II). This hybrid is described as easy-care and can produce a whole host of colorful blooms ranging from red and pink to orange and yellow. Bloomingdale is a great option if you're hoping to tie together a range of different hues in your yard, or if you just want a spot of color for your sunny areas.