Guide to growing garden plants - Eranthis Winter Aconite
Eranthis genus plants are hardy perennials that contain members such as the Winter Aconite.
Eranthis usually flower at the end of winter through to the beginning of spring, and carry cup shaped yellow flowers atop green leafy bracts.
They are low growing plants that like light shade so are ideal for growing under shrubs.
How to grow Winter Aconite (Eranthis)
If planning to grow Winter Aconite outdoors it is best to plant tubers at a depth of 7 to 12 cm; seeds should be sown in flats in the autumn under glass against a north facing wall, and brought indoors in spring to obtain a temperature of about 17 to 20 degrees centigrade. Once seedling appear transplant them at about 7 to 10cm apart into a partially shaded area of the garden (under a tree is ideal, as they will benefit from getting more light in the winter when the tree loses its leaves, but be protected from the sun in the summer). Winter Aconite likes to grow in a moist soil that is humus rich.
It is also possible to start Eranthis seeds by sowing in flats in the spring, then refrigerating for three weeks, sinking the flat outdoors in a shady area. germination of Winter Aconite can take anything from one month to a year. It will usually take as long as 4 years until the winter aconites that have been planted from seeds will bear flowers.
Propagating Eranthis
If you require more Eranthis plants then they can be propagated by division in spring after they have completed flowering.