Eranthis hyemalis

WINTER ACONITE

Eranthis hyemalis
WINTER ACONITE

Eranthis hyemalis is a winter treasure – one of the first indicators that winter is on the way out.

Winter egg cups of yolk yellow

Egg-cup shaped bowls of yolk yellow burst forth once the shortest day of winter is upon us.
Glowing in the winter gloom with silky golden cups clasped by emerald green ruffs.
The flowers burst from the ground well before the foliage, so they make an arresting winter sight.

Shout out that spring is on the way

This dear little treasure even beats the Snowdrops and the Crocus.
To shout out that spring is on the way and winter will be over soon.
The blooms seem to erupt straight from the earth, standing only 10cm. high but beaming brightly

Ruffs of deep green foliage form a winter carpet under trees & shrubs

Once the blooms have erupted, they are then followed by deeply cut, emerald green foliage.
So the foliage carpet is also a very decorative ground cover addition under deciduous trees and shrubs, also standing only 10cm. high, but forming a lovely carpet.

Self seeds to make a winter colour patchwork 

Eranthis hyemalis is a tuberous perennial.
So when it is planted in a happy-place it will increase by both tubers and self-seeding to form a delightful winter colour carpet under trees and shrubs.

Succession companion for months of colour 

Then by mid to late spring it conveniently goes completely dormant, and makes room for companion plants of spring bulbs and summer perennials.
So these can come through and colour the same space in later seasons.
Eranthis hyemalis is a great little helper for creating a succession of colour in a limited space.
Because it is quite happy growing amongst companion bulbs and perennials and allowing them grow through it in the spring and summer.
Summer dormancy also helps Eranthis hyemalis to cope with the heat of summer.

Deer & rabbit resistant 

Deer and rabbits have to be really desperate to even nibble Winter Aconite.
Instead they usually give it a wide berth on their way to tastier treats.

Virtually pest & disease free

Eranthis hyemalis is also rarely if ever troubled by any pests or diseases, and instead just happily goes about it’s business of carpeting under deciduous taller trees and shrubs and cheering us up in the middle of winter.

The happy-place for Eranthis hyemalis

The happy-place for Eranthis hyemalis is snuggling amongst leaf-litter in deciduous shade, so the tubers get winter light and summer shade.
It also enjoys container life in similar conditions.
Winter Aconite is completely frost hardy, and is not a water-hungry plant, as it is dormant in the summer.

Winter colour companion for rose shrubs

Eranthis hyemalis  appreciates lime; well-drained soil, from sandy to heavier garden loam; and summer mulch – so it also makes a great companion for winter colour planted under rose shrubs.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: Warm-cold-cool

Sow seeds of Eranthis hyemalis at any time of year indoors when suitable temperatures are available.
Once established in the garden it increases by both self-seeding & tuber increase.

Sow indoors: First sow the seeds in a punnet on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Now gently pat the seeds to the surface of the raising mix to ensure good contact.
But only barely cover the seeds with mix, as these seeds need light to germinate.

Keep consistently moist

Then stand the sown punnet in a shallow water bath and allow the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.
It is important for germination that the mix and seeds are always kept consistently moist once they are sown.

Then place in a warm spot to pre-condition

The sown seeds now need to be pre-conditioned in a warm place.
So the sown, moist punnet should now be placed in a warm position (but not in any direct sunlight).
Ideal temperatures for pe-conditioning are from 18-22°C for 12 weeks.
And you can use a heat mat to maintain warmth.
Then continue to keep the sown punnet moist by misting from a spray water-bottle.
Plus covering the punnet with a clear plastic cover or plastic bag will also help to maintain the necessary consistent, even moisture.

Now give a pretend winter

Then after 12 weeks, wrap the moist sown punnet in cling-wrap, or in a clip lock bag, and place in the fridge (not the freezer) for 7 weeks.
Mark the punnet with the date when you should bring it out.

Then bring out to a cool place for sprouting

After the period of chilling – moisten the punnet again, and place the punnet in a cool, well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight).
Temperatures of 10-12°C are best for rapid and optimum germination.

Seedlings begin to emerge in just a few days.
* Please note it is normal for Eranthis hyemalis seeds to stagger their germination. Some will come more quickly, while others will be slower. This is a natural defensive mechanism of the plant.
So be patient – do not discard the punnet too quickly.

Seed Count: 20 seeds per pack.
We always aim to exceed the stated seed count and give a generous serve.

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