What Do Buttercup Flowers Look Like?

Buttercup flowers are small, yellow (sometimes white with a yellow center) flowers that usually possess five petals. The flowers contain several stamens with yellow anthers surrounding a green center.

Growing Season

Buttercup flowers, or Genus Ranunculus, bloom in April or May, and last throughout the summer. Buttercups are annuals, which die in a year or season. They are also perennials, which means that they return to bloom each year.

Plant Care

Buttercup Flowers should be fertilized every two weeks with a diluted soluble fertilizer. For less upkeep, a granular slow-release fertilizer may be used. Buttercups should be watered during dry spells and grow best in cool soil. The flowers should be pruned back at the beginning of the winter season.

Common Growing Locations

Buttercup flowers commonly grow in fields and woods of the North Temperate Zone.

Species

There are more than 250 species of buttercup flowers, which include the Alkali Buttercup (Cymbalaria), Pygmy Buttercup (Pygmaeus) and Littleleaf Buttercup (Abortivus).

Pest control

Buttercups are prone to damage from insect pests that include whitefly, mealy bugs and spider mites. Most plant pesticides may be used. Natural repellents include oil spray, mild dish-washing liquid or baby shampoo.

Kill Buttercups In A Flower Bed

Regular hand weeding and hoeing can effectively control buttercups in flower beds. Digging weeds up isn't possible when it disturbs your flowers, but you can hand weed with a trowel in the spaces between plants. Hand-weeding and hoeing and every week kills buttercup seedlings and weakens established buttercup roots, so the weeds become exhausted and die. Lay landscaping fabric in open areas between flowers, and spread a 2-inch layer of wood chips, shredded bark, cocoa hulls or other organic mulch over the fabric. The systemic herbicide glyphosate controls buttercups in a flower bed. Put on protective clothing, including long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and goggles before working with herbicides. The herbicide can take two to three weeks to work. Don't use imazaquin near food-producing plants, and follow the instructions on the product label.