Creeping Buttercup – Ranunculus Repens with Sunny Flowers

The sunny flowers of the Ranunculus Repens make an eye-catching ground cover in any garden or lawn. Its rapid growth rate goes to work immediately after its establishment, covering whole meadows with its golden glow, especially in wet climates where it thrives.

This plant is a winter hardy perennial, laying dormant during the winter only to come back in full force in the spring and summer. It makes an exciting, if wild, addition to your garden with its many green leaves, and clumps of golden flowers.

Plant Details – Creeping Buttercup Ground Cover

Family: Ranunculaceae

Light Requirement: Full sun, partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 1-2 ft

Spread: Over 40 sq ft

Growth Rate: Rapid

Soil Preference: Damp, clay soil

Bloom Time: Spring and Summer

Flower Color: Yellow

Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinators

Key Traits of Ranunculus Repens (Creeping Buttercup)

This charming, yellow plant is widely considered to be a weed because of its rapid growth rate and tendency to overpower native plants. However, in small doses, Ranunculus Repens can be a wonderful ornamental plant to fill bare spots in your garden with vibrancy. 

The golden yellow petals are made distinct by their glossy finish, which helps attract pollinators. Its hairy stem and leaves are deep green, and resemble a heart shape. This plant thrives in damp, flooded areas, and especially likes wet, compacted soil, or clay soil. It even gets its name from ‘rana’, meaning ‘little frog’, a nod to its somewhat amphibious habitat.

Creeping Buttercup Landscape Uses & Maintenance Tips

The Ranunculus Repens is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa but made its way to North America primarily through the movement of hay. It is toxic to livestock, which contributes to its position as an irritant to farmers. As a ground cover, the yellow plant provides a protective barrier for the soil, and can add visual interest for your garden at its lowest points.

Its low growth form makes it troublesome to remove in unwanted areas, but provides much needed resilience where it is planted intentionally. This cheerful, yellow plant grows swiftly to turn your garden into a lush field of sunshine.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

Yellow

Height at Maturity

Under 12"

Care

Ranunculus repens, or creeping buttercup thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Water often to keep the ground consistently damp but not soggy. Remove finished blooms to promote new growth.

Plant Reproduction

Ranunculus Repens spreads by seed

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs

Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.

For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.

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