Winter aconite
by MaryAnn Fink
Conservation Specialist
copyright 2010
Winter aconite is the common name for Eranthis hyemalis. This is a sweet early bloomer that is actually a bulb that is flowering now. Keep a sharp eye out for these little flowers as they first appear in the sunniest spots. Sometimes in mild winters she will flower as early as February, or just before the first snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis begin to bloom) , this year, most are just getting started.
This little sweetie sports a clear yellow buttercup-like flower that is trimmed with a lacy green collar which is balanced on stout little ground hugging stalk. She is brave, frequently poking her head out just as the last snows melt- several years both happened early to mid-March in my garden.
She sends up the rest of her foliage topside as her flowers begin to fade. These apple green sun collectors act as natural energy receptors capturing the earliest sun rays to recharge her underground energy bank. They also act as a marker/ reminders of her pre-season flower show. By the time spring is in full swing, her foliage will have completed its work, withered and disappeared till the following spring.This ground-hugging bulb looks great when used around small water features and fairy garden with average to well drained soil.
Although petite enough for pocket rock gardens, this little dear is not reported to do very well in extreme and extended droughts, even if she is asleep!She also looks perfect as a temporary mini-ground cover beneath shrubs and trees in a woodland garden. For pastel lovers that dream of early but endless spring, consider creating a patchwork of winter aconite, Bishop’s hat (epimedium), wild ginger (asarum canadense), creamy white Lenten flowers (hellebores) and the littlest daffodils like Tête-à-tête. Be sure to plant all of these in multiples, especially these minis in generous handfuls at least!
This “shades of yellow” parade of Winter aconite will hint, blend and pull the early garden show together, especially when back dropped with larger stream- side woodland favorites such as Hamamelis vernalis, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, and Forsythia.
Winter aconite seems to do well in these types of shrub combinations especially when placed under these companion friendly deciduous shrubs where there is minimal root disturbance. They also seem to prefer this over “summer moist” irrigated situations such as turf and flower beds.(Suggestion: for those hoping to have at least a throw rug size carpet of these, place rocks at the edge of the foliage blanket as a “do not disturb” sign/ marker as an off season reminder to minimize any soil disturbance. These are very small bulbs that grow close to the surface and are easily damage, dislocated or buried)
Plant these “bulbs” as soon as they are available in the fall. Pick for plump and the bigger the better is a good rule of thumb (however this is all relevant as they are usually very small and wrinkled-it is a just a matter of degree!) To improve the odds of success, buy early, hand pick, store for 2-3 days in moist sand or peat moss to re-hydrate and plant as early as possible. Preferred depth in clay soils is 1-2”, this is shallow but best for good results in our heavy soils.
Winter aconite can reproduces and spreads when in ideal conditions. To reduce or limit the quantity, simply lift with shovel any excess while the foliage is still green. To encourage spreading, avoid vigorous clean up anytime and foot traffic as this can damage the small soft bulbs which as so close to the surface!These are best in locations that enjoy winter sun that eventually becomes shaded some by neighboring trees and shrubs as the season progresses!
Consider viewing and placement where flowers can be appreciated in late winter!
Care factor rating: 1 Remove spent flowers after bloom to encourage storage of energy. Follow the suggested purchase procedure and pre-planting re-hydrate routine. Be sure to visit the Missouri Botanical Garden this spring to see these in bloom and then mark your calendar
by MaryAnn Fink
Conservation Specialist
copyright 2010
Winter aconite is the common name for Eranthis hyemalis. This is a sweet early bloomer that is actually a bulb that is flowering now. Keep a sharp eye out for these little flowers as they first appear in the sunniest spots. Sometimes in mild winters she will flower as early as February, or just before the first snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis begin to bloom) , this year, most are just getting started.
This little sweetie sports a clear yellow buttercup-like flower that is trimmed with a lacy green collar which is balanced on stout little ground hugging stalk. She is brave, frequently poking her head out just as the last snows melt- several years both happened early to mid-March in my garden.
She sends up the rest of her foliage topside as her flowers begin to fade. These apple green sun collectors act as natural energy receptors capturing the earliest sun rays to recharge her underground energy bank. They also act as a marker/ reminders of her pre-season flower show. By the time spring is in full swing, her foliage will have completed its work, withered and disappeared till the following spring.This ground-hugging bulb looks great when used around small water features and fairy garden with average to well drained soil.
Although petite enough for pocket rock gardens, this little dear is not reported to do very well in extreme and extended droughts, even if she is asleep!She also looks perfect as a temporary mini-ground cover beneath shrubs and trees in a woodland garden. For pastel lovers that dream of early but endless spring, consider creating a patchwork of winter aconite, Bishop’s hat (epimedium), wild ginger (asarum canadense), creamy white Lenten flowers (hellebores) and the littlest daffodils like Tête-à-tête. Be sure to plant all of these in multiples, especially these minis in generous handfuls at least!
This “shades of yellow” parade of Winter aconite will hint, blend and pull the early garden show together, especially when back dropped with larger stream- side woodland favorites such as Hamamelis vernalis, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, and Forsythia.
Winter aconite seems to do well in these types of shrub combinations especially when placed under these companion friendly deciduous shrubs where there is minimal root disturbance. They also seem to prefer this over “summer moist” irrigated situations such as turf and flower beds.(Suggestion: for those hoping to have at least a throw rug size carpet of these, place rocks at the edge of the foliage blanket as a “do not disturb” sign/ marker as an off season reminder to minimize any soil disturbance. These are very small bulbs that grow close to the surface and are easily damage, dislocated or buried)
Plant these “bulbs” as soon as they are available in the fall. Pick for plump and the bigger the better is a good rule of thumb (however this is all relevant as they are usually very small and wrinkled-it is a just a matter of degree!) To improve the odds of success, buy early, hand pick, store for 2-3 days in moist sand or peat moss to re-hydrate and plant as early as possible. Preferred depth in clay soils is 1-2”, this is shallow but best for good results in our heavy soils.
Winter aconite can reproduces and spreads when in ideal conditions. To reduce or limit the quantity, simply lift with shovel any excess while the foliage is still green. To encourage spreading, avoid vigorous clean up anytime and foot traffic as this can damage the small soft bulbs which as so close to the surface!These are best in locations that enjoy winter sun that eventually becomes shaded some by neighboring trees and shrubs as the season progresses!
Consider viewing and placement where flowers can be appreciated in late winter!
Care factor rating: 1 Remove spent flowers after bloom to encourage storage of energy. Follow the suggested purchase procedure and pre-planting re-hydrate routine. Be sure to visit the Missouri Botanical Garden this spring to see these in bloom and then mark your calendar
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment