Persian Buttercups or Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) are now in full bloom in gardens and nurseries around Tucson.

These lovely cultivated flowers are in the Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae), and they are native to the eastern Mediterranean.

Garden varieties of Persian Buttercup have large, double flowers densely packed with delicate, tissue paper-like petals.

The flowers of Persian Buttercups come in most colors (including bicolored) except blue, green, or true purple (some are magenta). Persian Buttercups with longer stems can be used as beautiful cut flowers.

These perennials have tuberous roots and can grow up to 18 inches (46 cm) tall. The growing plants can tolerate some frost, but they can be damaged by prolonged exposure to temperatures of 25 °F (-3.9 °C) and below.

Persian Buttercups prefer full sun, cool weather, and well-drained soil (they will rot in soggy soil). The delicate flowers do best in dry weather, as they can be damaged by rain, so conditions are perfect for them here in Tucson right now.