Greater Spearwort ‘Grandiflorus’ (Ranunculus lingua) - Large-Flowered Cultivar of a Native for Shallow Pond Edges (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A bold, large-flowered form of Greater Spearwort, ‘Grandiflorus’ produces big, buttercup-yellow blooms above tall, lance-shaped foliage - perfect drama for the shallow shelf and boggy margins. Clump-forming rhizomes help stitch soft edges, giving safe cover for emerging amphibians while adding early-mid season colour. Expect around 60-120 cm tall in bloom, with a 30-60 cm spread when established. Best at the pond margin with 0-15(-20) cm of water above the soil, or in reliably damp ground just outside the liner. As a cultivar of a UK native species, it brings a natural look with extra flower size and impact.

Where it thrives

• Light: Full sun to light/partial shade (best flowering with good light)

• Moisture/Zone: Pond margin / bog; set crown at water level or with 0-15(-20) cm of water above the soil

• Setting: Back-of-front edge for height and colour; pair with Brooklime, Water Mint, Purple Loosestrife and sedges for layered wildlife habitat

Planting & care

• Plant in a mesh aquatic basket with peat-free aquatic compost; top-dress with washed grit to prevent float

• Deadhead or lightly shear after the main flush to keep plants tidy and encourage fresh growth

• Divide every 3-4 years to refresh clumps and manage footprint

• Allow only modest self-seeding if you want a natural look; lift extras easily from gravel

Safety (important & honest):
As with many buttercups, sap can irritate skin/eyes - wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. Do not ingest. Keep clippings and soil out of natural watercourses; never release garden plants into the wild.

Truth-first wildlife note:
Single, open flowers provide accessible nectar/pollen for small bees and hoverflies, while the upright clump gives edge cover and emergence stems for amphibians and dragonflies. Team with other single-flowered natives to keep forage running from spring to late summer.

Joel says…
“Think of ‘Grandiflorus’ as the big, sunny punctuation at the water’s edge - proper wildlife function with show. Basket it shallow, give it light, and tidy after the main display.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are ordering perennials between the months of October and March, including aquatic plants, please be aware that this is the dormant phase for perennials, so your plants may arrive showing potentially little or no top growth at this stage, or can in some cases still have some old leaves from last year showing also. Please don't worry, as this is all quite normal. Once the weather warms up in spring, you will start to see fresh growth and activity! If you ever have any concerns at all, please just message the team on enquiries@wildyourgarden.com and we'll always do our best to help.