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!