The Winter Aconite (Eranthus hyemalis) produces the first official floral color of spring, beating even the early-blooming crocus at producing spring color. The bright yellow buttercup blooms produced by the winter aconite are sometimes mistaken for crocus blooms but they are two different flowers.
Winter aconites are smaller than crocuses and only produce yellow blooms that fade quickly. These spring-bloomers are a welcomed addition to any garden and are a sure sign that spring is almost here. So, how do you grow Winter Aconite? Use these tips for growing these tiny butter-cup blooms in your garden.
Planting Time
Plant in the fall along with tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs. Winter Aconite does not grow from a bulb but a tuber. The tubers are planted the same way as a bulb and functions like a bulb to store water and food for the plant.
Planting Location
Winter Aconite enjoys a sunny location and does well in full or partial sun. These tiny plants will push their way up through snow to reveal green foliage and yellow blooms. A light frost will not hurt these plants.
Plant at the edge of woodlands or under deciduous trees and shrubs. The soil in these locations will be rich with leaf humus and the deciduous trees will allow plenty of sun to shine through in late winter.
How To Plant
Plant tubers 4-5 inches (10 – 10.25 cm) deep in compost-rich soil. This depth will protect them from harsh winter weather and dry summer weather (tubers can be left in-ground year-round). The deep planting depth will allow you to plant shallow-rooted annuals in the same location in late spring.
The compost will provide food for the plant, promote good soil drainage, and help prevent soil compaction.
You may be interested in my other articles about Soil Health.
Bloom Time
The plants will appear in late winter and very early spring and reach a mature size of 4 inches (10 cm) across and 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall. The bright yellow blooms will be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across and last for 2-3 days.
The green foliage will remain for a few weeks, then turn brown and die. Mow or snip dead foliage off to keep landscape looking tidy.
Plant Care
Winter Aconite requires no care. Plant tubers in fall and leave them alone. The plant will slowly spread and reward you with a burst of early spring color every year, then disappear when the weather warms and the grass begins to grow.
Water area where winter aconites are planted only during times of drought.
You may want to check out my other post, 5 Winter hardy flowers to grow here.
Plant facts
| Genus | Eranthis hyemalis |
| Light | full sun, part sun |
| Soil type | chalk, loam, sand, clay |
| Soil drainage | moist but well drained |
| Height x Width | 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) |
| Flowering seasons | early Spring, Winter |
| Life span | perennial |
| Plant hardiness zones | 4 – 9 |
Gardening in January
