Ranunculus

What the ranunculus means

In the Victorian language of flowers ranunculus was said to mean "you are radiant with charms," which made it a flattering, slightly flirtatious gift. The name comes from the Latin for little frog, thought to refer to the damp places where many wild buttercups grow. Persian buttercups were treasured in Ottoman and Persian gardens and became a collector's flower in Europe during the 1700s. Today they are mostly given for admiration and charm and are a wedding staple, though, like all flower meanings, these are traditions rather than rules.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

• Anniversary
• Birthday
• Just because
• Mother's Day

By colour

• Blush Often given as a sign of admiration and charm.
• Coral Associated with warmth and attraction in modern use.
• White Often chosen for weddings and new beginnings.
• Yellow Associated with cheer and friendship.
• Burgundy Sometimes read as deep admiration.