Eranthis (Winter Aconite)

Eranthis Hyemalis: An Award-Winning Hardy Perennial
The genus Eranthis belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It comprises eight recognised species, the most well-known of which is Eranthis ‘Hyemalis’, commonly referred to as ‘Bulb Me Up Buttercup’ or ‘Winter Wolf’s Bane’. What sets Eranthis apart is its distinctive behaviour: the flowers open only in sunlight and close again during periods of darkness. When planted in groups, its bright, cup-shaped, bright yellow flowers, framed by a delicate ruff of fresh green foliage, create a luminous carpet. Cherished by gardeners for generations, Eranthis ‘Hyemalis’ has been honoured with the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, a reflection of its beauty, dependability, and enduring value in British gardens.

Another remarkable quality of Winter Aconite is its versatility in a range of growing conditions. It thrives in lightly shaded areas, particularly beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, where it brings a welcome splash of brightness to otherwise subdued corners. Its reliable performance in both cold and mild climates makes it a firm favourite among gardeners throughout much of the UK. Whether you’re cultivating a rock garden, the edge of woodland gardens, or a formal flower bed, Eranthis ‘Hyemalis’ adapts with ease and rewards you year after year with its cheerful, dependable blooms.

Rediscovering Eranthis: A Small Plant With A Large Impact
Eranthis ‘Hyemalis’ is often one of the overlooked bulbs in the gardening world, but at DutchGrown, we believe it's time to give this delightful early bloomer the attention it deserves. Less commonly grown varieties, such as Eranthis ‘Cilicica’, known for its slightly larger blooms and more finely divided foliage, also offer unique charm but are less common in cultivation.

With its low-growing habit, reaching just 10 centimetres in height, Eranthis ‘Hyemalis’ is ideally suited to rock gardens, woodland settings, and mixed flower beds. It pairs beautifully with other early bloomers, such as Crocuses, creating gentle carpets of colour and texture. Beloved by pollinators and naturally resistant to deer, Winter Aconite brings both charm and resilience to the early spring garden. Once established, it returns faithfully each year, quietly transforming drab winter corners into bright, living borders. It may be a small bulb, but it leaves a lasting impression.

Read more: Everything You Need To Know About Winter Aconites (Eranthis Hyemalis)

How To Grow Winter Aconite For Autumn Planting
Planting Winter Aconite is straightforward, and with a little care, it will reward you with years of early spring charm. Simply follow the steps below to grow Winter Aconite with ease.

Begin by selecting a spot in your garden with well-drained, humus-rich soil that receives full sun or dappled shade. Ideal locations include areas beneath deciduous trees or shrubs. Wait until the soil temperature has dropped below 15°C, between September and November. Before planting, soak the tubers overnight to encourage successful establishment. Plant each one 5–8 cm deep and space them 7–10 cm apart, with the pointed ends facing upwards. Water once after planting, then let nature take its course. Once flowering has finished in late spring, leave the foliage in place until it naturally yellows and dies back, allowing the bulbs to store energy for the following year.

Although it may be tempting to grow Eranthis bulbs in containers, they will not thrive. Winter Aconites prefer to remain undisturbed in the ground. For best results, plant them directly into open soil. Would you like to learn more? Follow our growing guide: ‘How to Grow Eranthis’.

Buy Winter Aconite Bulbs At DutchGrown
Would you like to brighten up your early-flowering garden? Winter Aconite is a superb choice. At DutchGrown, you will find top-quality Eranthis ‘Hyemalis’ bulbs, carefully selected for their vigour, reliability, and long-lasting performance. When you order from us, you're not simply planting flowers; you're becoming part of a tradition rooted in expertise, quality, and care. Let us help you bring the promise of early spring to life with Winter Aconite. We offer delivery throughout the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Aconite

Do Winter Aconites Spread?
Although Eranthis ‘Hyemalis’ is not officially classified as invasive, it can spread readily under favourable conditions. Once established, it can naturalise and gradually form large colonies, particularly in undisturbed garden borders or woodland areas.

Where Is The Best Place To Plant Winter Aconites?
The ideal place to plant Winter Aconites is in well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun. Beneath deciduous trees or shrubs, such as roses, is particularly suitable, as these spots offer the perfect balance of light during late winter and early spring. Eranthis ‘Hyemalis’ thrives in cold to mild climates and will return reliably year after year when left undisturbed in a cool, shaded, and natural garden setting.

Do Aconites Like Sun Or Shade?
Winter Aconites prefer full sun to partial shade, particularly during their blooming period in late winter and early spring. They flourish in areas that receive sunlight before trees and shrubs come into leaf. Once flowering has finished, they tolerate shade well. Planting them beneath deciduous trees is ideal, as this offers bright early-season light followed by gentle, protective shade, conditions that encourage the bulbs to naturalise and return year after year.

How Do You Plant Eranthis Hyemalis Bulbs?
Plant Eranthis ‘Hyemalis’ in well-drained, humus-rich soil, in full sun or partial shade, during the autumn. Soak the tubers overnight, then plant them the following day at a depth of 5–8 cm, spacing them 7–10 cm apart. Water once after planting, then allow nature to take its course. After flowering, let the foliage die back naturally; this enables the bulbs to store energy for the following year’s vibrant display.