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
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Attribute |
Description |
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Form: |
Clump forming spreading perennial |
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Foliage: |
Deeply divided whorled leves |
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Height/Width: |
10cm by 45 cm |
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Hardiness Zone: |
Zone 4 |
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Exposure: |
Dappled shade to sun (morning) |
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Flower colour: |
Bright yellow |
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Leaf colour: |
Mid green |
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Flower time: |
February /March |
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Preferred soil and Watering: |
Moist soil, well drained |
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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. |