Xela's Garden

Winter Anconite [V]

Genus: Eranthis.

Species: Eranthis.

Hardiness: Hardy

Skill Level: Beginner

Soil type: Well-drained/light, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline
Exposure: Partial shade, Shade

Flowers:
February to March

Height: 13cm
Spread: 10cm

Time to plant seeds: March to June
Time to divide plants: April to May

Looks good with:
Galanthus nivalis
Iris reticulata

These native European woodland plants are among the earliest to flower, and produce a bright display, especially when planted in large numbers under shrubs and deciduous trees. An efficient ground cover plant, it quickly spreads to become a carpet of pure golden yellow, just as the first snowdrops begin to bloom. Dry tubers can be bought in the autumn, but they are generally not as successul as plants bought 'in the green' (in leaf) either during or just after flowering time, which will establish much more readily. The Royal Horticultural Society has presented it with the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Winter Aconite

Genus: Eranthis.

Species: Eranthis cilicica.

Planted 09.08 Shenstone front gate posts
Vistabile front gate posts
Bought 09.08 Wyevale Garden Centre, Marlow pack of 7 corms £1.99

Description A deep yellow, bronzy foliage, more finely cut than E. hyemalis, also blooms later. Will seed freely. Flowering Height: 5cm (2in). Bulb Size: 4-5cm.
Planting Autumn
Flowering January-February
cilicica and hyemalis (Yellow flowers)
[source: www.dejager.co.uk/product]

A. Flowering Characteristics
Eranthis flowers in early spring (February/March) and plants are 3-5 inches tall.

B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Asia Minor and Europe
2. Common names: Winter Aconite
3. Geophyte organ: Tuber
4. Hardiness type: Hardy III - Injured at temperatures below 5 degrees F (-15C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces slowly by seed and tubers and requires a warm (60 to 70F) - cool (28 to 32F) - warm (45 to 60F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Rock gardens, beds, and woodland gardens.

C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 3/3.5, 3.5/4, 4/up cm, in circumference
2. Planting density: 1 inch apart, 60-100 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of tuber.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Climatic zone habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zone 3 with mulch, Zones 4 to 7 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight to PM only or AM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Tolerates drought, but keep moist during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.

D. Companion Plants:
Chaenomeles japonica, Forsythia, Jasminum nudiflorum, Vinca minor, Hammamelis.
[source: www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/bulbs-spring/Eranthy.htm]

Often know as 'Winter Aconites' these like damp leafy soils in light shade. They are tolerant plants in the garden and will thrive in peaty or limey soils, as long as they have water, light shade and good drainage.

The fertile, more vigorous species such as hyemalis and cilicica are ideal for naturalising and semi-wild gardening. The infertile Guinea Gold is sufficiently vigorous that it will virtually naturalise when happy.

Like many Ranunculaceae they dislike being moved too much and detest being dried out and desiccated. Tubers may sulk for an entire season, making no above ground growth, or dying back quickly, while they establish a root system. They usually come up full of vigour the following year as long as they have not be damaged by an exploratory finger checking their welfare!
[source: www.rareplants.co.uk/prodtype.asp?CAT_ID=98&strPageHistory=category]

Photos of this plant

Reminders for this plant