Winter Aconite, also known as “Eranthis Hyemalis” or “Bulb Me Up Buttercup”, is one of the earliest bulbs of the year to flower. Do you want to grow your own Winter Aconites? Read this blog post to learn how to plant and care for them.
Quick guide:
- Planting season: Autumn
- Place: Full sun or partial shade, likes a shady location
- Soil: Well-draining soil, very rich in organic matter, ideally humus rich soil
- Water: Once after planting. Moderately in spring, but consistent moisture all year round
- After blooming: Let the plant rest without watering too much. Wait for the foliage to turn yellow. Remove foliage or let nature take its course
What Is Winter Aconite?
Eranthis Winter Aconite is a charming flowering plant in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). The Winter Aconite flower has cup-shaped, bright yellow flowers, surrounded by green divided leafy bracts. The buttercup-like flowers provide a splash of colour in woodland and rock gardens, and flower beds when few other plants are flowering early in the year. They are part of the early flowering bulbs.
Winter Aconite is native to Asia Minor and Europe and originates from woodland areas. Because the flower blooms early, it symbolises resilience and a harbinger of the coming spring.
Winter Aconite is a perennial bulb, meaning the flowers return every year. If it likes where you have planted it, it may even start to multiply, making it a naturalising bulb. Awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, Winter Aconite are loved by pollinators and are deer resistant.
Fun fact: Winter Aconites love the sun so much that they only open when it is shining and remain closed when the sky is overcast.
Winter Aconite Bloom Time
Winter Aconite flowers in late winter and early spring, around the same time as snowdrops. Either plant them separately for contrast, or mix them together for a feast of yellow and white.
How To Grow Winter Aconite: Our Best Tips
1. Planting Winter Aconite
Good to know: When your DutchGrown package arrives, you can't plant the Winter Aconite bulbs straight away. That's why it's important to store them properly. Unpack the bulbs and place them in a dry place with plenty of air circulation. The temperature needs to be between 4-21 °C (40-70ºF). The following steps will help you successfully plant Eranthis Hyemalis for good health and vibrant flowers:
- Eranthis bulbs are planted in autumn, before the ground freezes. Wait until the soil is about 15°C (60ºF) or colder.
- Soak the Aconitum bulbs for one night before planting.
- Choose a spot with good drainage. Eranthis Hyemalis loves a shady spot under deciduous trees or rose bushes.
- Dig a hole about 8-10 cm (3.1-3.9 inches) deep (there is a general rule when planting bulbs that the bulbs should be at least 2 times the height of the soil above them).
- Drop the bulb into the hole and cover with soil. Make sure the bulb is positioned correctly. Eranthis bulbs look like a mini onion with a slightly pointed head and sometimes have wiry roots growing from the underside. Plant with the pointed head facing upwards.
- Leave about 8 cm (3.1 inches) between each bulb. If you are planting in containers, you can space them a little closer together.
2. Growing Winter Aconite
It's important to water the bulbs well after planting to help them settle in and take root quickly. You don't usually need to water your Eranthis plants during the flowering season. But you can water them if it hasn't rained for 3–5 days.
3. Winter Aconite Care After Blooming
When the Winter Aconite flowers have finished flowering, allow the plant to rest. Through photosynthesis, the leaves will produce nutrients that the bulb will need for the next growing season. You don't need to water during this period. The leaves will die back and at this point you can choose between two options:
- You can tidy up the plant and remove the old leaves
- Let nature take its course.
Learn more: How to grow Eranthis
Winter Aconite For Sale At DutchGrown
Do you want to plant Winter Aconites in your garden? Choose for DutchGrown. Our top-sized bulbs (4 cm or 1.6 inches) come from Holland, and we ship them all over the UK. Browse our collection of Winter Aconite bulbs and choose your favourites for your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Aconites
When To Plant Winter Aconite Bulbs In The UK?
Plant Winter Aconite Bulbs in the UK during autumn, ideally between October or November, before the ground freezes. Wait until the soil is around 15°C (60ºF) or colder. This allows the bulbs to take root before winter sets in. Planting in autumn will ensure a vibrant display of yellow flowers in late winter to early spring.
Where Is The Best Place To Plant Winter Aconites?
The best place to plant Winter Aconites is in a full sun or partially shaded area with well-drained soil. They thrive under deciduous trees or rose bushes, benefiting from spring sunlight before the trees fully leaf out. Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot.
