Ranunculus gramineus Moonlight

[Susan Band]

Hi,
The Ranunculus X arendsii form I have is the cross made by Don Stead not the original cross made by  Mr Arendsii. This is the cross which Margaret and Henry Taylor distributed a lot in Scotland. Unfortunately I over sold it and now only have a small plant.
There is still a nursery in Germany (I think) which is run by the daughter of Arendsii who bred a lot of different plants. She is now looking for the cross back again.
Perhaps the one you had was either the original cross or one done by someone else and given a name.
I have found R. gramineus always to look consistent but R. amplexicaulis can vary quite a lot in flower size and some seedlings having a pink tinge.
Maybe someone with spare time can try the cross again
Susan
PS. it is propagated by division and root/axil cuttings

[mark smyth]

I've done the cross.

What's a root axil/cutting?

[Susan Band]

hi mark,
What I meant was a root or axil cutting.
If the plant is growing well sometimes mini plants appear on the stems where the leaves join, late on in the season. The stem can then be cut at these points and then rooted.
In the other method roots will sprout if broken off the plant accidently when trying to divide the plants.
Susan

[Margaret]

Hi Susan

Thank you for the background information. I still have the typed label for my dead plant.

 It's called R. gramineus 'Moonlight'    A clump-forming perennial with narrow glaucous green basal leaves. Stems of pale yellow flowers from spring to early summer.

My plant never got taller than 100mm but I now realise that I wasn't giving it ideal conditions. It will be interesting to compare my new plant, Ranunculus x arendesii Moonlight from Jennie Maillard when I collect it.

Margaret

[Susan Band]

Just had a look at the German nursery dedicated to Georg Arends (1863-1952) He  hybridised 350 different perennials.
Here is a link to the nursery http://www.arends-maubach.de/Die-Gaertnerei.77.0.html
Susan

[Margaret]

Thank you, Susan. The nursery sells a lot of plants but not, as far as I could see, any x arendesii crosses. Maybe they had sold out or they keep them for nursery visitors.

Margaret

[Margaret]

I saw a Ranunculus arendsii Moonlight on the Kevock Nursery stand at the Chelsea Show today. I've tried to attach a photo but not sure whether it will work because  this is my first post with a picture.  I could ask hubby for help but this always ends up with a lecture about the importance of making notes - not my strong point!

The Kevock display was excellent. I hope they get a Gold.

Margaret

[Maggi Young]

You've cracked the photo posting yourself, Margaret., well done!
Kevock's bulb list is out now, too :
http://www.kevockgarden.co.uk/  and they will be very busy at Chelsea - we wish them every success with their Chelsea exhibit- good to hear you thought their display was looking good.

[Helen Johnstone]

Hi
going through last years acquisitions I have ranunculus arendsii 'Moonlight', what are the best growing conditions for it? research implies dry, but well drained? Sun or shade or what? Any tips would be appreciated
Thanks

[Maggi Young]

I think a sunny spot  is fine - even for your locale, Helen.  It seems able to cope with full sun in many places.  Have a feeling ours was lost by being overshadowed by other plants. Must look out for it again.