Ranunculus are better known to most people as Buttercups. Their beautiful

double flowers look almost like miniature peonies, but their color range is much wider including
red, white, yellow, pink, gold, and orange. The Persian reference in the common name is from the
legend that a shy, handsome Persian prince died of longing because he was unable to declare his
love for a nymph. After his death he was changed into the flower we know today. Persian
buttercups become available as blooming pot plants in late winter and are a wonderful spirit-lifter
until plants begin to bloom outside.