Ranunculus flammula (Lesser Spearwort)

Information

The Look: Not to be confused with tiny carpet plants, this is a robust grower.  It has a creeping habit initially, but once established, it sends up stems that can reach 30-50cm. The leaves change shape as they mature—starting small and rounded and becoming long and narrow (the "spear" shape it’s named for).

Pond Benefits: It’s an excellent plant for edge filtration and provides great cover for frogs and insects.  It's incredibly easy to grow and can handle being partially submerged (up to 5-10cm deep) or just planted in permanently boggy soil.

• Format: Sent as a well-drained clump (damp in a bag).

• Light: Thrives in full sun to part shade. More sun usually means more flowers.

• Maintenance: Very easy. If it spreads further than you'd like, just pull up the creeping runners.

• Winter: Like most Ranunculus, it may go dormant or tidy up in winter and then burst back into life in the spring.

Growing Guide: Bog & Aquatic Plants

General Care

Plants in this category are moisture lovers, requiring consistently damp soil or standing water to thrive.

• Watering: For bog plants (like many marginals and carnivorous types), the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely.   Keep them in sealed pots or containers without drainage holes, or place them where the water table is naturally high.

• Aquatic Plants: Water lilies and submerged plants generally require still, non-turbulent water and a suitable planting basket to keep them anchored.

• Containers: For many marginals, placing the pots on a saucer of water is a good way to maintain hydration.

• Fertilising: Be cautious with fertilisers, especially with carnivorous plants which get nutrients differently.   Always check individual product descriptions for specific feeding needs.
  

• Aquatic Plants: Water lilies and oxygenating plants generally require still, non-turbulent water.  Use a suitable planting basket to keep them anchored, or weight them down directly into the substrate.

If you have any specific questions about plant placement or water conditions, just give us a shout!