Ranunculus lyallii

[ian mcenery]

I have on previous attempts failed with this plant but being the sort of gardener who delights in triumphs of hope over experience I again bought a small plant last autumn and have kept it in its pot over the winter. Can anyone give any hints of how to grow this lovely plant. It would also be interesting to hear any observations of how this grows in nature ie  temperature water and sun. I think I remember that Jack Drake recommended that this be grown in deep soil to which had been added well rotted manure at depth to aid moisture retention and to feed

[Luc Gilgemyn]

I'll be waiting for answers from the specialists with just as much interest as you Ian - I've also got a young plant waiting in it's pot to find a suitable home... 

[Susan]

I have managed to flower it for the past six or seven years. I live at just over 1000'.  It requires sharp drainage but not sure about the fertilising.  I leave well alone, think you may risk flowers as the leaves can grow huge anyway.   I have it planted where it is in the open, receives sun, but another planted only about 4' away sulked and refused to grow, so I have moved it near the other and this year it finally started to put on growth.  They both receive more sun  where they are now.

In nature they grow in quite open spots often in "crevice garden" situations. This photo was taken up Mt Burns, where Ian was in January.  He will have a much better photo I am sure.

Susan.

[Susan Band]

I have found, and I have heard others say the same, that they tend to flower in their first year once they get to flowering size then not flower again. I got plenty of seed from it and grew on the seedlings. The main plant hasn't flowered for years so last summer I lifted and split it, I will let you know how it went later on.

[Susan]

I haven't dared split mine as I found that it only started flowering once it started to 'creep' and I assumed that it was then happy.  I am going to have to move a couple of Celmisias that are in the way as the R lyallii  is  taking over the area.  As long as it keeps flowering though I am not too bothered.  All that said, I do think they are quite temperamental as I have had many over the years and planted them in different positions and they have never prospered, often as a result of too much shade, I think. 

Susan

[Lesley Cox]

My current miserable specimen is much smaller and less happy than Susan's but when I did have it growing well - in a large pot - for about 3 years, it only flowered the following year if I lifted it and repotted with a good dose of high potassium Osmacote. Yes, sharp drainage including lots of grit and a moisture retentive compost. I haven't had a suitable garden situation for it.

[ian mcenery]

Susan thanks very much for your advice. I will not be planting it where I had first thought and will seek a more open position. Given that in nature it is growing well in the crevice this could indicate that it might want a cool and moist root run so I wonder whether I should put some small rocks under the ground to create a similar situation. I also know some plants like their roots to be restricted. What do you think?

Susan B thanks for your experience I suppose this is one plant that maybe doesn't like being away from its native climate

Lesley I might not have either but I will try to construct an environment as close to what I imagine the plant needs. How would you describe the perfect spot?

[Lesley Cox]

At 1500 metres on Mt Burns or similar at Mt Cook.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Doesn't look all that promising Ian ?
Shall we have a contest who kills it first ?? 
Or maybe, being optimistic : who gets the first flowers... 

[ian mcenery]

Doesn't look all that promising Ian ?
Shall we have a contest who kills it first ?? 
Or maybe, being optimistic : who gets the first flowers... 

Bet I win Luc well to kill it anyway 

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Don't be too selfconfident Ian !  Killing plants is one of my specialties... 

[Susan]

Yes over the years I have manged to acquire an incredibly expensive collection of plant labels too!

Susan

[Michael J Campbell]

I am a member of the dead label and flowerpot society,anyone want to join?

[Carlo]

You can't call yourself a grower if you haven't killed more good plants than the next guy. Not killing simply means that you haven't been at it very long. (The most visited pages on my web site are the ones about how to kill plants).

[Maggi Young]

Michael, I think we can all qualify to be members of the Dead Label and Flowerpot Society and ought to join you.... I'd like to propose  you as the Chairman..... all those in favour?.........