Eranthis hyemalis with its vibrant flowers is a winter flowering treasure. This is one of the 8 species in the genus and they are a member of the Ranunculaceae family.
This a woodland plant originally from France and Italy, it grows from tubers, and springs into life well after the leaves have fallen from deciduous trees and closer to spring than mid winter.
Grown for the golden yellow flowers that bare set against mid green foliage. The flowers are small but appear in masses.
It will flower with the first Galanthus and once established a good clump provides wonderful colour at a time when little else provides.
Flowers appear before the foliage, but open fully as the foliage appears. It will form a mat or carpet over time and yes it will self seed.
How to Grow Eranthis hyemalis – basic Care
Tubers or ‘Bulbs’ are best planted where it will receive good light in winter. It is suggested that the tubers are best planted/transplanted when they are just coming into leaf (In the Green), rather than as dry tubers.
- Choose a humus rich soil, well drained and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Plant the tubers at around 2cm below the surface.
- Water in and then a thin layer of organic mulch.
After flowering and the foliage dies back apply a layer of mulch in preparation for the summer dormancy.
Although this a plant that is aggressive in its spread, grown in a woodland setting it makes an excellent addition to the garden.
It can also be grown in containers, use it as an under planting for spring or summer flowering bulbs.
Regarded as frost hardy, and as it is summer dormant also drought tolerant.
Growing Eranthis hyemalis From Seed
Seeds are best planted in spring.
- Sow seed into pots.
- Use a good quality potting mix, a thin layer of seed raising mix and surface sow the seeds.
- Cover lightly with a thin layer of seed raising mix.
- Keep the pots in a warm position.
- Keep the seeds moist until they germinate.
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