How to Grow and Care for Winter Aconite
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Feb 28, 2022 • 1 min read
Winter aconite is an early-blooming spring flower that can grow easily in various climates.
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What Is Winter Aconite?
Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis), also known as winter hellebore and winter wolf’s bane, is a low-growing herbaceous plant. As members of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), winter aconite plants are sometimes called buttercups. Gardeners prize winter aconite for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in late winter. The shiny yellow flowers sit atop deep green bracts on green lobed leaves, giving gardens an appealing, eye-catching appearance.
Originally from southern Europe and parts of Asia, winter aconite has naturalized in various other parts of the world. Winter aconite is among the first harbingers of springtime and bloom earlier than crocus and snowdrops.
Is Winter Aconite Toxic?
Winter aconite is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep the plant away from pets and children. The toxicity means that the plant is deer-resistant, which could be favorable depending on where you live.
Where to Plant Winter Aconite
Winter aconite is a hardy perennial and grows in various continents and climates. If you want to cultivate winter aconite in your home garden, follow the guidelines below:
- Climate: Winter aconite is commonly grown in USDA hardiness zones four through nine. When growing wild along the forest floor, these plants usually receive sunlight filtering through the canopy of deciduous trees. When grown at home, winter aconite grows best in full sun, but its ability to thrive in partial shade allows flexibility in your garden design.
- Placement: Winter aconite works great in garden beds, along walkways, or as borders between different parts of the garden. You can also plant winter aconite in rock gardens and pots, where the dense, bright blooms can be especially eye-catching.
- Timing: Winter aconite blooms from late winter to early spring and goes back into dormancy by late spring. You should strategically plant winter aconite tubers in the early fall with other flowers; by coordinating bloom times, you can ensure that as the aconite recedes, something else will take its place as the star of the show.
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