Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite)
Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite) is a charming tuberous perennial that bursts from the ground in late winter (before crocuses) with cup-shaped, upward-facing, bright yellow flowers surrounded by divided leafy bracts. The foliage of rich green leaves, divided into several lobes, emerges after the flowers. Winter Aconites go dormant by late spring.
Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite) is a charming tuberous perennial that bursts from the ground in late winter (before crocuses) with cup-shaped, upward-facing, bright yellow flowers (1 in. wide or 3 cm), surrounded by divided leafy bracts. The foliage of rich green leaves, divided into several lobes, emerges after the flowers. Winter Aconites go dormant by late spring.
- Awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society
- Grows in clump up to 4 in. high (10 cm) and wide. This beauty may self-seed (if happy) and naturalize over time, coming back year after year.
- Easily grown in humus-rich, moderately fertile, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Consistent moisture to be provided year-round – Do not let the soil dry out! Tolerates most soils but does best in alkaline soils.
- Deer resistant
- Stunning in beds, borders, along paths or walkways, rock gardens, underplanting shrubs or roses, cottage gardens, or as ground covers. Great for containers too!
- Virtually pest and disease free (may be affected by smut)
- Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame in late spring or separate tubers after flowering in late spring
- To be planted in fall (soak tubers overnight before planting). Best left undisturbed once planted.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Eranthis – Winter Aconites |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early)Winter |
| Height | 4" (10cm) |
| Spread | 6" (15cm) |
| Spacing | 3″ (7cm) |
| Depth | 2" – 3" (5cm – 7cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |