Eranthis hyemalis Schwefelglanz

Eranthis hyemalis 'Schwefelglanz' is a delightful variety of winter aconite, sometimes called winter hellebore, recently obtained in Germany. It stands out for the delicate colour of its small pale-yellow to sulphur-yellow flowers, quite different from the golden yellow of the species. They bloom almost at ground level, from February, often piercing the snow, before the foliage appears. This small tuberous perennial is hardy and prolific. It naturalises easily and illuminates the still dormant garden. It is perfect in a natural or slightly wild garden, colonising banks, or under deciduous trees or bushes, along paths or in rockeries. It also works well in pots on a patio, to fully enjoy its fragrance.

Eranthis hyemalis is a plant of European origin, perfectly adapted to our climates. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, just like our famous buttercup. This small plant with nodose tubers has naturalised in light and humid woodlands. 'Schwefelglanz' is a very pretty selection with fully open soft yellow flowers, emerging from apricot-coloured buds. The 10cm (4in) tall plant spreads in clumps that can eventually cover several square metres. The delicately fragrant flowering takes place in February-March, at the same time as snowdrops. The cup-shaped flowers are reminiscent of buttercups. They are solitary and measure 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter. They are set on green petaloid sepals similar to a collar of leaves. These flowers open in good weather and close to form a small ball at night or when the sun disappears. The basal foliage is composed of lobed and palmate bright green leaves, carried by short stems. It develops after flowering and disappears at the end of summer.

Eranthis hyemalis are true little suns for the winter garden. Easy to grow and hardy, they quickly form maintenance-free colonies, especially in limestone and moist soil, as these plants fear drought. They self-seed spontaneously, sometimes becoming invasive. They are ideal in a naturalistic garden, light woodland, or difficult-to-reach banks. 'Schwefelglanz' will easily associate with snowdrops, hellebores, crocuses, and daffodils, for example. It can also be planted under witch hazels or winter viburnums (Viburnum x bodnantense).