Bulbs

Eranthus
winter aconite

- Height 4 in (10 cm)
- Planting distance 3 in (7.5 cm)
- Flowers midwinter to midspring
- Well-drained, moisture-retentive soil
- Sun or partial shade
- Tubers available in early fall and midfall
- Hardy zones 4-9

These small hardy perennials are some of the earliest plants in the garden, sometimes appearing in mid- and late winter in the South. Their enchanting buttercuplike flowers stand 4 in (10 cm) above ground, surrounded by deep green ruffs. For greatest impact, plant them in large groups to form a carpet. A sunny or partially shaded site with plenty of humus-rich soil is best.

Popular species and cultivars
Eranthis hyemalis has lemon-yellow flowers that appear in late winter, or even earlier in mild areas. It stands 4 in (10 cm) high, and its tubers should be planted 3 in (7.5 cm) apart. As a woodland species thriving in dappled shade, it is best grown in a semiwild setting below deciduous trees or in between shrubs. Eranthus x tubergenii has robust, slightly larger rich golden yellow flowers that emerge in early spring. It tolerates sunnier conditions than E. hyemalis and can be grown in a rock garden or at the front of a border, provided there is plenty of humus in the soil. Two cultivars are available: 'Guinea Gold,' with bronze leaves and stems and large deep yellow fragrant flowers that appear in early spring and midspring, and 'Glory,' with slightly less fragrant flowers that appear late winter and early spring, and bronze-tinted young foliage.

Bulbs