Landscape Spotlight: Winter Aconite, ‘Eranthus hyemalis’

Winter Aconite isn’t really a household name when it comes to landscape plantings, but it should be!  While not totally uncommon, this tuberous perennial seems to remain underutilized, but its sunny presence will certainly light up your winter landscape.  Being one of the latest winter/earliest spring bloomers, rising even before the crocuses, this delightful groundcover will deliver the first inclination that spring is on the horizon.

Winter aconite will grow, on average, 3-6” tall and wide, and has the ability to form large colonies.  Each plant has cup-shaped, upward facing 1” wide bright golden-yellow flowers that sit atop divided rich green leafy bracts.  Providing a blanket of color from January to March (in zones 3-7), the buttercup-esque flowers provide ample cheer in a still cold and barren landscape.  Self-sowing, this plant will create a beautifully cheery clump-form groundcover and naturalize over time, becoming a reliable early-spring perennial within the landscape.

For the happiest winter aconite, be sure to plant in an area with well-drained and moderately rich soil.  While not picky about sun requirements, this plant will tolerate full sun to partial shade.  One thing to keep in mind is that winter aconite does not like dry soil, so be sure to plant in a location that will receive precipitation.

For best results when planting (during the fall season), we suggest soaking the tubers overnight before planting.  Plant only about 1-2” in the ground, several inches apart and do not disturb once planted.  Although this plant looks delicate, it is truly hardy and resilient.  This plant is so robust that it can push its way through the snow to put on its winter display and not be affected by the frost that still looms during its early performance.  For outdoor food sources being scarce during this time, you would think that deer and other winter scavengers would wipe this groundcover out at first glance, but these winter pests actually leave winter aconite alone!  Consider that a winter win.

This low maintenance plant will flower reliably and flourish where little else will grow, it’s amazing that that they don’t get more attention.  If you have a bare area in your yard, give this late winter perennial a try.  Winter aconite has been known to do well under horse chestnut and sycamore trees, whose shade is known to deter other plant life!

From a landscape design standpoint, winter aconite is best planted near herbaceous perennials such as tall grasses or hostas, leaving the dying foliage to be hidden by emerging spring growth.  Plant winter aconite en masse because of their petite proportions, and they are best paired with other plantings.  The bright blooms of these flowers pair well with snowdrops, hellebores and crocuses creating a delightful display, and together, they will fade out just in time for the rest of your landscape to waken from its winter slumber.

For gardeners that look forward to the first signs of life in the new year should strongly consider this ornamental stunner.  This distinctive design plant is short, sweet and to the point, with sole purpose to bring joy in an otherwise cold and dreary environment.  The increasing ground cover will be like a yearly gift that keeps on giving!

For more landscape advice or to begin planning you dream backyard transformation, reach out to MasterPLAN Landscape Design!  We are passionate about solving problems and partnering with our clients to provide comprehensive and cohesive outdoor living spaces tailored to fit your family and your lifestyle!  MasterPLAN would love to discuss your options to truly uncover the full potential for your outdoor space; when you’re ready to chat, we are ready to listen!