Ranunculus asiaticus Cloni Pon-Pon Hermione (Persian Buttercup)

Ranunculus asiaticus ‘Cloni Pon-Pon Hermione’ (Persian Buttercup) is a tuberous perennial boasting huge round flowers adorned with layers upon layers of beautifully ruffled, rich pink and white petals. Reminiscent of small hydrangeas, the flowers are long-lasting and open up fully, revealing a green eye in their center.

Ranunculus asiaticus 'Cloni Pon-Pon Hermione' (Persian Buttercup) is a tuberous perennial boasting huge round flowers adorned with layers upon layers of beautifully ruffled, rich pink and white petals. Reminiscent of small hydrangeas, the flowers are long-lasting and open up fully, revealing a green eye in their center. Borne atop thick and sturdy stems, they bloom for about 4-7 weeks in late spring to early summer in cold climates (planted in spring), or in early-mid spring in mild climates (planted in fall). Whether treated as perennials or annuals, they add brilliance to the garden and make magnificent bouquets with a vase life of 7 days.

  • Rising up 18-24 in. (45-60 cm), Persian Buttercups look quite romantic, whether in the garden or in a vase!
  • Best flowering occurs in full sun. Provide some afternoon shade in hot climates.
  • Ranunculus thrive in moderately moist, sandy, or loamy, well-drained soils. Good drainage is absolutely essential for success. Ranunculus do not tolerate wet or soggy soil, which can lead to rotting.
  • Perfect for beds and borders, containers, cottage gardens, and Mediterranean gardens and is an absolute must for the cutting garden.
  • Persian Buttercups grow from bulbs, more correctly corms, that have claws on the bottom. The corm size predicts the number of flowers. A jumbo bulb will produce up to 35 flowers while a number 1 bulb will produce up to 20 flowers, a number 2 bulb will produce up to 12 flowers and a number 3 bulb will produce up to 7 flowers.
  • Treated as perennial that comes back year after year in mild areas (hardiness zones 8-11) with perfectly drained, cool soil, they are generally treated as annuals in other areas and disposed of after bloom.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to promote new blooms.
  • Ranunculus are poisonous to animals (cats, dogs, horses) and humans. They are deer and rabbit resistant.

Requirements

Hardiness 8
– 11

Heat Zones 7
– 11

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 4″
– 6″
(10cm
– 15cm)
Depth 2"
(5cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Traditional Garden