Origin
The Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz, commonly known as the Arctic Buttercup, is a plant species that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. The plant is native to the Arctic regions and can be found in areas such as Canada, Greenland, Alaska and Northern Europe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Arctic Buttercup. Other names for this plant include Arctic Ranunculus and Northern Buttercup.
Uses
The Arctic Buttercup was traditionally used by the indigenous people of the Arctic regions for medicinal purposes. The plant was used to treat various ailments such as fevers and diarrhea. The sap from the plant was used topically to heal wounds, burns, and sores. The roots were also used to make tea, which was believed to have a calming effect on the body.
The Arctic Buttercup is also grown as an ornamental plant. The plant is appreciated for its short, delicate, and vibrant appearance.
General Appearance
The Arctic Buttercup is a short-lived perennial plant that grows up to a height of 5-15 cm. The leaves are shiny, dark green and lobed. The flowers are bright yellow and have a diameter of 1.5-2.5 cm. The petals have a glossy appearance and are arranged in a cup-like shape. The plant blooms from May to August. The flowers are followed by fruits that are small and contain many seeds. The plant thrives in moist and well-drained soil.
Light Requirements
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz prefers full sun to partial shade. This plant can tolerate shade but will not flower as well if it does not receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to cold environments, and it prefers cool temperatures. Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7, where the average annual minimum temperature is between -30 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 to -12 degrees Celsius). This plant requires a winter dormancy period where temperatures are below freezing for 3-4 months. During the growing season, the optimal temperature range is between 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 15 degrees Celsius).
Soil Requirements
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, and it can tolerate a soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. However, the soil must be well-draining, as this plant will not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Cultivation Methods
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz is a cold-hardy perennial plant that grows well in hardiness zones 1 through 7. To cultivate this plant successfully, it's essential to choose a suitable location that receives partial to full sun. The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You should also aim to plant the Ranunculus bulbs during the late summer or early fall, after the heat has subsided.
You can plant the bulbs in containers or directly into the ground. Start by digging holes that are twice the size of the bulb and plant them with the pointed end facing upward. Cover the bulbs with soil, and water it generously. Keep the soil moist to encourage the bulbs to sprout.
Watering Needs
Watering Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz is essential to keep them healthy. However, this plant doesn't require too much water, so it's important not to overwater it. As a general rule of thumb, water the plant whenever the soil begins to dry out, approximately once a week.
When watering, make sure the water reaches the roots of the plant. Avoid watering the foliage, as this can cause damage to the leaves and flowers. The plant will need more water during its growing season, but be careful not to let the soil become too soggy.
Fertilization
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz requires adequate nutrients to thrive. Before planting, it's essential to enrich the soil with organic matter. You can also add a layer of compost or well-aged manure to the soil to increase its fertility.
During the growing season, you can apply a balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided, as they can promote foliage growth at the expense of flower development.
Pruning
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz doesn't require much pruning. However, deadheading can help extend the blooming period and promote the growth of new flowers. Remove any spent flowers by cutting them off at the base of the stem.
If the plant begins to look leggy or crowded, you can also thin out the foliage by removing some of the stems. This will allow more light and air to reach the remaining stems, improving their overall health.
Propagation of Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz, commonly known as the Arctic Buttercup, is a perennial plant that propagates through seeds and division.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz should be collected in the fall when the seedpods have dried up and turned brown. The seeds should be sown in the spring after the last frost in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be 2-3 mm deep and kept moist until they germinate.
It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during the germination process. The ideal germination temperature is between 15-18°C. Germination can be slow and sporadic, and it may take up to two months for the seeds to sprout.
Propagation by division
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz can also be propagated by dividing the clumps in the fall or early spring. Carefully dig up the clump and gently separate the individual rhizomes. Be sure to leave a few shoots and some roots on each division.
Plant the divisions in a prepared soil mix that is well-draining. Water well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until the plants are established.
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz is a beautiful and hardy plant that can bring a touch of the Arctic to any garden. With proper care and propagation, this plant can thrive and provide enjoyment for years to come.
Disease Management
The plant Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz is relatively resistant to diseases, but it can still be affected by some common plant diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and bacterial leaf spot. The following are ways to manage these diseases:
- Root rot: Ensure that the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering to prevent the growth of fungus that causes root rot. In case of infection, remove the affected plant parts and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: Ensure good air circulation around the plant, avoid overcrowding, and remove any infected plant parts early to prevent the spread of the disease. Apply fungicides such as sulfur, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate to prevent the occurrence of the disease.
- Bacterial leaf spot: Avoid overhead watering, and don't water late in the evening to avoid the growth of the bacteria. Remove the infected plant parts and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Some common pests that might attack Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. ssp. arnellii Scheutz include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. The following are ways to manage these pests:
- Aphids: Spray a strong jet of water on the plant to dislodge the aphids, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids, so attracting them to your garden can help control the pest population.
- Spider mites: Spray a strong jet of water on the plant to dislodge the spider mites, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Predatory mites are natural enemies of spider mites, so introducing them to your garden can help control the pest population.
- Slugs: Place copper tape or wire around the plant to deter slugs from crawling over it. You can also put beer traps or copper wire around the plant to kill slugs. Handpicking of slugs at night can also be effective.
