Latin name: Eranthis hyemalis
by Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association
This ephemeral gem is a clump forming perennial with bumpy tubers underground. An early spring bloom of bright yellow above a ‘ruff’ of dissected leaves is followed by a seed capsule of two to three seeds.
It is a great ground cover growing to roughly 10cm in height and spreads readily through enlarging tubers and self-seeding, but is easily dividable. Preferring dappled shade and moist soils it yellows slowly after blooming and then disappears completely in the early summer warmth. It naturalizes well and can add a touch of welcome spring focus to a lawn when mixed with crocus and/or dwarf irises to be an early spring flush of colour to relieve those winter blues.
Photo courtesy of: Kim Hammond
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Form: | Clump forming spreading perennial |
Foliage: | Deeply divided whorled leves |
Height/Width: | 10cm by 45 cm |
Hardiness Zone: | Zone 4 |
Exposure: | Dappled shade to sun (morning) |
Flower colour: | Bright yellow |
Leaf colour: | Mid green |
Flower time: | February /March |
Preferred soil and Watering: | Moist soil, well drained |
Other: | Ephemeral plants slowly disappear in the heat of the on coming summer such as Erythronims ( Fawn Lilys) and crocus and reappear each spring. Good drainage is crucial to their survival in wettest winters. |