About
Eranthis hyemalis, the winter aconite, is a tuberous perennial to 10 cm tall producing bright-yellow, goblet-shaped flowers 3 cm wide from late winter, each surrounded by a collar of divided, bright-green, leafy bracts. One of the most rewarding of all early-spring bulbs, naturalising freely in grass or under deciduous trees.
About the genus
Eranthis, the winter aconites, are small tuberous perennials producing cup-shaped, yellow or white flowers held above a collar of deeply lobed, leafy bracts in late winter and early spring. They naturalise freely in grass and under deciduous trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toFrance to Bulgaria
ToxicityPets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a humus-rich, moderately fertile soil that doesn't dry out. Tolerates most soil types but does best in alkaline soils
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring or separate tubers in late spring after flowering. Dry tubers may not establish well
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to smuts