Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis)

Golden buttercups on a frilly green ruff, opening with the snowdrops in February sunshine. These are proper flowering-age clumps, each producing around 5 flowers – not the dried tubers that so often disappoint. Plant in the green immediately on arrival, tucking them into well-drained soil with plenty of leaf mould. They’re particular about their spot – under deciduous shrubs or trees where they get winter sun but summer shade. Once happy, they’ll self-seed into cheerful colonies, but they won’t be rushed – give them time to settle. Tolerates alkaline soils better than most woodland plants. The secret is never to let them dry out completely whilst in growth. Lift and divide established colonies after three to five years to expand the display, though they resent disturbance so only move them when necessary. The perfect companion for snowdrops.

Flowering age bulbs. Dispatched February-April.