The Latin name of Eranthis has its roots in Greek and combines spring and flower, a very nice and welcome combination. The common name: winter aconite, is slightly malicious as it refers to the poisonous sap of a summer blooming plant called Aconitum napellus, whose usually blue flowers resemble majestic inflorescences of larkspur. But in no way do they have the look of bright yellow Eranthis, whose buds appear unimaginably early like... February. Yes, they are poisonous, but nobody wants to eat them. Flying insects are probably of a different opinion for the flowers secrete sweet nectar and offer some tasty pollen, so the winged creatures must be very happy to find a place to eat after long winter months of starvation. As we enjoy observing their busy lunchtime we can also satisfy our eyes with golden yellow flowers, the forerunners of far more busy moments to come.
What a view! The snow has melted away, only here and there you can see its last frozen patches desperately striving to survive the warmer day temperatures and... as if to help the sun do its job, precious golden yellow buds emerge from the soil and try to chase the snow out of the garden. Truly brave little creatures! They show a lot of determination and resistance in their mission as they are not afraid of night frost and seem to be really happy when the weather is not as warm as we would like it to be. As a matter of fact, the flowers of winter aconite last longer when the air is just cool. So try to understand their requirements and do not complain about the cold breezes and enjoy the radiant but still brief moments of having that lovely plants in the garden.
Eranthis hyemalis along with Eranthis cilicica and Eranthis x thunbergii form a trio of fragile looking (in reality they are not that delicate) and brightly flowering tuberous plants which should be invited to every garden. The long twig-like tubers are normally planted in the fall. The idea is that they love company so do not buy four or five tubers but forty or fifty, or even more. You will understand my advice when you see the open flowers the following spring.
Soak the tubers in tepid water for 24 hours before planting. They will regain turgor at that time, which promotes better root formation. Space the tubers 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in.) apart and cover them with 6 to 8 cm (2-3 in.) layer of soil. Eranthis grows well in every garden soil as long as it contains a lot of organic matter and is well-drained. The plant being quite short - only 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in.) high, requires good protection from strong winds and needs o a lot of sun.
The winter aconite flowers quickly disappear when the days become warmer but before they vanish completely the seeds mature in the pods and are eager to venture a new life cycle. Seedlings take at least two or three years to flower. Some of them may appear in totally unexpected areas in- or outside the garden.
Yellow is the favourite colour of insects, that is why they are attracted by Eranthis so efficiently. As a matter of fact all flowers care very little about our, I mean human chromatic tastes and predilections. But still, we can always juxtapose those little golden winter aconite wonders with blue crocuses and white snowdrops to embarrass the yellow loving insects a little. I am sure they will not complain at all and the garden will look adorned just right to welcome spring and first guests!
Eranthis hyemalis along with Eranthis cilicica and Eranthis x thunbergii form a trio of fragile looking (in reality they are not that delicate) and brightly flowering tuberous plants which should be invited to every garden. The long twig-like tubers are normally planted in the fall. The idea is that they love company so do not buy four or five tubers but forty or fifty, or even more. You will understand my advice when you see the open flowers the following spring.
Soak the tubers in tepid water for 24 hours before planting. They will regain turgor at that time, which promotes better root formation. Space the tubers 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in.) apart and cover them with 6 to 8 cm (2-3 in.) layer of soil. Eranthis grows well in every garden soil as long as it contains a lot of organic matter and is well-drained. The plant being quite short - only 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in.) high, requires good protection from strong winds and needs o a lot of sun.
The winter aconite flowers quickly disappear when the days become warmer but before they vanish completely the seeds mature in the pods and are eager to venture a new life cycle. Seedlings take at least two or three years to flower. Some of them may appear in totally unexpected areas in- or outside the garden.
Yellow is the favourite colour of insects, that is why they are attracted by Eranthis so efficiently. As a matter of fact all flowers care very little about our, I mean human chromatic tastes and predilections. But still, we can always juxtapose those little golden winter aconite wonders with blue crocuses and white snowdrops to embarrass the yellow loving insects a little. I am sure they will not complain at all and the garden will look adorned just right to welcome spring and first guests!
Jarek
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