Ranunculus asiaticus ‘Elegance Hot Pink’ is the latest addition to the Elegance series. The series is made up exclusively of double flowered Ranunculus with plump buds and strong stems. Fully open this Ranunculus can reach a diameter of up to 3 inches; comparable to a large flowered rose. ‘Elegance Hot Pink’ is a deep pink variety with white at the petal bases and green in the center. This makes for a really fresh combination. Seven other colors are available in the same series: white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, red and wine red.
Their large buds mean that the Elegance cultivars have to be harvested at a later stage of maturity than other Ranunculus cultivars. They have a vase life of 10 to 14 days, but if sold when too immature, the flowers will not open. It appears that wholesale buyers have finally accepted the fact that the Elegance Ranunculus cultivars need to be sold when more mature.
Their average stem length of 20 to 24 inches makes them ideal for use in compact bouquets and arrangements. Some 100,000 stems of Ranunculus asiaticus ‘Elegance Hot Pink’ (vbn code 23471) are expected to be sold at the Dutch auctions this year. This means that the flower will continue to be fairly exclusive. The first stems were auctioned in April and May 2004.
Family
Ranunculus is a member of the Ranunculaceae family.
Varieties
Around 400 varieties can be found in the wild but the only variety supplied to the auctions is the asiaticus. There is some differentiation among the various types and several series are currently on the market. The series Victoria, Friandine, Ranobelle, Pauline, Highlight and Success can be found at the auctions along with the Elegance series.
Top 10 cultivars
Ranunculus is often supplied by color. The top ten that are not supplied by color are:
Explanation of name
Ranunculus is a diminutive of the Latin word ‘rana’, meaning frog. The name is a reference to the marshy areas where Ranunculus can be found in the wild.
Symbolism
During the reign of Queen Victoria of England and around the turn of the 19th/20th century, the language of flowers was very popular. A bouquet was also a message to the recipient; a gift with a clear story. If the bouquet contained Ranunculus this meant that the recipient was 'rich in charms'. An attractive message but one that might be construed differently today. You could either be flattered by the message of Ranunculus or the flower could have exactly the opposite effect, i.e. 'He’s trying to get rid of me'. Ranunculus also means wealth and childlike.
Most popular colors
Use for special day(s)
No information available.
Additional information
Leaflets are available showing the series. Photographs can be requested from Ballholland.
