Northern California

Plant rich, romantic blooms

You might do a double take: Are these exotic roses? Miniature peonies? Nope. They’re Maché ranunculus. With luscious petals that look like layers of brightly pigmented tissue paper, the 4-inch-wide blooms sit atop sturdy stems and foliage.

They’re available in seven colors, including the rose and purple pictured here. Find them as blooming potted plants in 4-inch containers at nurseries this month and next. Treat Maché like an annual and remove plants when blooms fade, typically as summer arrives.
–Elizabeth Jardina