Everything You Need To Know About Winter Aconites (Eranthis Hyemalis)
Winter Aconite, also known as “Eranthis Hyemalis”. “Winter Wolf's Bane”, or “Bulb Me Up Buttercup”, is one of the earliest flowers of the year to bloom. 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: Fall
Place: Full sun or partial shade, likes a shady location
Soil: Well-drained 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, low-maintenance flowering plant in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Its cup-shaped, bright yellow flowers are surrounded by divided green bracts and form rounded clumps. The buttercup-like flowers provide a splash of color in rock gardens, woodland gardens, and flower beds when few other plants flower early in the year. They are part of the early flowering plants.
The Winter Aconite plant is native to Asia Minor and Europe and originates from woodland areas. Because the flower blooms early, symbolizing 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 naturalizing bulb. Awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, Winter Aconite is loved by pollinators and is 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 Aconites are late winter and early spring flowers, around the same time as snowdrops. Plant them separately for contrast, or mix them for a feast of yellow and white.
Read more: Bulb Me Up Buttercup
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 immediately. 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 40-70ºF (4-21 °C). The following steps will help you successfully plant Eranthis Hyemalis for good health and vibrant flowers:
- Eranthis bulbs are planted in the fall before the ground freezes. In the North, this will be in September or October, and in the South, in October or November. Wait until the soil is about 60ºF (15°C) 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 3.1-3.9 inches (8-10 cm) deep (the general rule when planting bulbs is that they should be at least 2 times the height of the soil above them).Drop the bulb into the hole and cover it with soil. Make sure the bulb is positioned correctly. Eranthis bulbs look like mini onions with a slightly pointed head and sometimes wiry roots growing from the underside. Plant with the pointed head facing upwards.
- Leave about 3.1 inches (8 cm) between each bulb. If you are planting in containers, 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 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 old leaves
- Let nature take its course
Learn more: How to grow Eranthis
Winter Aconite Bulbs For Sale At DutchGrown
Do you want to plant Winter Aconites in your garden? Choose for DutchGrown. Our top-sized bulbs (1.6 inches or 4 cm) come from Holland, and we ship them all over the US. Browse our Winter Aconite bulbs collection and choose your garden favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Aconites
When To Plant Winter Aconite Bulbs?
Plant Winter Aconite Bulbs during fall. In the North, this will be in September or October, and in the South, in October or November. Wait until the soil is around 60ºF (15°C) or colder. This allows the bulbs to take root before winter sets in. Planting in fall 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 full sun or partially shaded areas 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.
Where Is The Best Place To Plant Winter Aconites?
The best place to plant Winter Aconites is in full sun or partially shaded areas 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.
