Creeping Buttercup Plant Care

Creeping Buttercup (Anemonoides ranunculoides) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Anemonoides genus. Creeping Buttercup is also known as Lesser Celandine, Yellow Wood Anemone.

Creeping Buttercup displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Creeping Buttercup produces delicate, daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Creeping Buttercup every 3–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Creeping Buttercup thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Creeping Buttercup in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Anemonoides ranunculoides tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Creeping Buttercup prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Creeping Buttercup to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Creeping Buttercup every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Creeping Buttercup is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Creeping Buttercup can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Creeping Buttercup while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Creeping Buttercup is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Creeping Buttercup can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to apennine anemone plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Creeping Buttercup is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Creeping Buttercup grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Creeping Buttercup as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.