Now…there are ranunculus and then there are CLONI ranunculus! And today’s post features the astonishingly beautiful Cloni variety. They were very kindly given to me by David at D G Wholesale Flowers at New Covent Garden Flower Market in London. As fellow flower lovers, I’m sure you’ll understand why I had such a spring in my step, when I walked back to Vauxhall station that morning, carefully holding my prize blooms. These were the very first Clonis that I’d ever taken home…a special day! I wasn’t the only one who was admiring them either…the barista in the coffee shop, plus a girl on the train who thought they were roses. I LOVE their layers upon layers of beautifully structured, delicate petals…like ballerinas’ tutus!
If you’ve not come across this variety of ranunculus before, here’s a little bit about them. Cloni (pronounced Clone-y) have much larger flower heads than standard ranunculus. Hanoi is the name of this particular pale pink one. And they’re also available in orange, cerise, red and cream. When their petals fully open up, the flowers are reminiscent of garden roses or peonies, which makes them very popular for wedding work…especially bridal bouquets.
Whilst my Cloni ranunculus were at home, we had people to stay for the weekend and they were completely blown away by this magnificent blooms. What I really love about them is the way that they look even more beautiful, the older they get. In the Northern Hemisphere, now is the time to buy them…but they’re not around for long. So do look out for them the next time you’re in a florist shop or flower wholesaler. I promise…you won’t be disappointed!
P.S. If you’d like to know more about ranunculus in general, do pop over to the New Covent Garden Flower Market website, where you can read a special report I wrote about them last year.
(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)
These are stunning!
Thank you Holly :-).
These cloni ranunculus always reminds me of airy and cripy mille feuille 🙂 One of my favorites!
They’re one of my favourites too, Sophie… 🙂