Winter Aconite Bulbs (Eranthis hyemalis)

Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) is among the very first flowers of the year. From January into February it pushes up glossy, cup-shaped yellow flowers, each sitting on a neat green collar of leaves, at just 10cm tall. The flowers open in winter sunshine and close in dull weather, and a well-established patch reads as a sheet of gold across bare ground when almost nothing else is out.

It is a non-UK-native species from southern Europe, long grown in British gardens and now widely naturalised, especially in old woodland gardens and churchyards. It grows from a small knobbly tuber and is at its best under deciduous trees and shrubs, where it enjoys winter light and summer shade. On moist, humus-rich soil it seeds itself freely and will spread into carpets; on dry or thin ground it is slower to settle.

Plant in autumn, September to November, at around 5cm depth and 5–10cm apart. The small dry tubers lose condition quickly, so plant them as soon as possible after arrival. Choose moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. After flowering the foliage dies back by late spring; leave it to do so naturally, and avoid disturbing the ground once the plants are established.

Supplied as dry tubers, 4/5cm size, for autumn planting. Non-UK-native species — for garden and ornamental use rather than native habitat restoration.