Winter Aconite

Eranthis hyemalis, commonly known as winter aconite, is a delightful early spring-flowering tuberous perennial that signals the end of winter in UK gardens. Its cheerful, cup-shaped, bright yellow flowers emerge from the bare ground, often pushing through snow, creating a vibrant carpet of colour. Each flower is surrounded by a frilly collar of green bracts, adding to its charm. These small plants are perfect for naturalising in deciduous woodlands, under trees and shrubs, or in mixed borders where they can receive winter sun before the canopy fills in. They prefer moist, well-drained soil rich in leaf mould. Winter aconites are relatively low maintenance and will multiply over time, forming extensive colonies, providing valuable early nectar for pollinators.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Jan, Feb, Mar.