Winter Aconite
Eranthis hyemalis
One of the earliest flowers of the year, producing buttercup-yellow cups surrounded by a ruff of green bracts from January to March. Carpets ground beneath deciduous trees. Tubers should be soaked overnight before planting. Combines beautifully with snowdrops. Naturalises freely in humus-rich soil in UK gardens.
Where to plant
Best aspect
Border position
When to plant and expect flowers
Plant
Flowers
How to grow winter aconite
Soak tubers overnight before planting 5cm deep in autumn. Best established from plants in the green rather than dry tubers. Naturalises freely under deciduous trees. Combine with snowdrops for a classic winter display. Add leaf mould to planting holes.
Soil requirements
Soil type
loam, chalk, clay
Moisture
moist
pH
neutral, alkaline
Aftercare
Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Remove spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation
- Offsets in autumn
- Seed
Wildlife value
Toxicity
All parts toxic. Contains cardiac glycosides. Can cause skin irritation on contact.
Common problems
- Dry tubers can fail to establish
- Smut disease
Similar bulbs to grow
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