How to Plant and Grow Winter Aconite

Bright yellow winter aconite is one of the earliest blooming plants you can plant.

Winter aconite is one of the first blooming plants you’ll see in your yard before spring arrives. It sometimes appears so early (even before crocuses) that the buttercup-like flowers burst up and out of the snow. In addition, its tiny flower grows only 6 inches tall or less. Although it’s low-growing, this plant catches the eye in beds and borders, along pathways, and when mixed with crocuses and other ephemerals in the lawn. Once the two-week bloom is over, the plant goes dormant in early spring, and its foliage disappears until the following year. To avoid digging it up accidentally, mark the location where you planted it.

Winter aconite is toxic to humans and pets.

Where to Plant Winter Aconite

Winter aconite grows and blooms best in a spot that receives full sun. Because its growth starts so early in the season, this winter-hardy spring bloomer can be planted beneath deciduous trees such as maples and oaks. By the time the trees leaf out, winter aconite has already put on its show and is getting ready to rest. Plant winter aconite where you can see it. With these characteristics in mind, plant winter aconite in garden beds and borders near the driveway or along a sidewalk that you use frequently.

Winter aconite is also a classic choice for adding early color to woodland gardens. It thrives beneath woodland plants such as yellow corydalis, bleeding heart, trillium, hepatica, and lungwort. Its early bloom season also makes winter aconite an interesting choice for naturalizing in your lawn alongside other favorites such as crocus and snowdrop. However, although it’s not visible during the summer, winter aconite does not tolerate heavy foot traffic.

The soil where you plant winter aconite should be moist, well-drained, and slightly alkaline.

How and When to Plant Winter Aconite

Plant the small tubers in the late summer to mid fall. The cooler your climate, the earlier they should be planted so they can develop roots before the winter. Look for evenly colored, firm tubers that don't feel limp or dried out. If they look a bit shriveled, rehydrate them in room-temperature water for 24 hours before you plant them.

Plant the tubers 2 to 3 inches deep and space them 3 inches apart. Cover them with the original soil.

Winter Aconite Care

Light

Winter aconite needs at least 6 hours of full sun to bloom—in the early springtime that is. It’s all right if the light conditions of the planting site change once trees and other plants leaf out.

Soil and Water

For winter aconite to thrive, grow it in moist, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter and with a soil pH above 7.0. A soil that mimics the native habitat of the plant in the woodlands of Europe—full of decomposing leaves and other organic material—is ideal. If your soil has an especially high sand or clay content, amend it with compost or well-rotted manure at planting time.

Even during its dormancy period in the summer, winter aconite should have somewhat moist soil that never fully dries out. In a dry spell or drought, you might have to water it occasionally.

Temperature and Humidity

While these ground-hugging plants are very winter-hardy, they are not suitable for the other end of the climate spectrum and don’t do well in dry, hot summers. Since they are dormant during the summer, high humidity does not affect them.

Fertilizer

There is no need to fertilize winter aconite. Instead, each spring, add a couple of inches of compost or well-aged manure around the plants to replenish the nutrients in the soil.

Pruning

Winter aconite doesn't require any pruning, in fact, you should leave the foliage untouched until it has fully died back on its own. That also means abstaining from early mowing if you have planted the winter aconite in your lawn. The foliage usually starts to go dormant when you're ready to mow for the first time. 

Potting and Repotting Winter Aconite

Winter aconites are not a good choice for growing in pots, for two reasons: During the winter, the tubers are exposed to temperature fluctuations as well as freeze-and-thaw cycles, and during the summer, there is considerable heat build-up in the pot, even in large containers—temperature extremes that are detrimental to the health of the plant and from which the tubers are insulated when they are planted in garden soil.

Pests and Problems

Unlike many spring-blooming bulbs, winter aconite doesn't appeal to pests such as deer, rabbits, and rodents. That makes it an ideal choice for adding early spring color to yards where critters tend to decimate spring bulbs. 

How to Propagate Winter Aconite

Winter aconite is easily propagated by division after the bloom when the foliage starts wilting. Dig up the tubers, taking care not to damage them. Remove any dead leaves and replant them at the same depth as the original plant. Water them well.

Types of Winter Aconite

Winter Buttercup

Eranthis cilicica, commonly called winter buttercup, is a species closely related to winter aconite. It has similar but larger, yellow buttercup-shape flowers.

Winter Aconite Companion Plants

Netted Iris

Early-spring blooming Iris reticulata is a good match for winter aconite because the bloom times of the two plants often overlap. (Winter aconite is finishing as Iris reticulata is getting started). The pairing creates an outstanding contrast of complementary colors: blue or purple from iris with bright, golden-yellow from winter aconite.

Snowdrop

Snowdrops and winter aconites both enjoy the same growing conditions: sunny and planted in moist, but well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They also bloom around the same time, so you can enjoy snowdrop's white, butterfly-shape blossoms right alongside winter aconite's golden-yellow buttercups.

Hellebore

One of the earliest perennials to bloom in spring, hellebores sport leathery, semievergreen foliage, which means the foliage looks good throughout the winter in some, but not all, areas where the plant is hardy. Hellebores help draw attention to winter aconite when it is in bloom. Both plants are similarly pest-resistant.

Wild Ginger

Wild ginger shares several features with winter aconite: It is low-growing, thrives in moist locations, and it is dear-resistant. The plant works well as a filler in the bare spots left by winter aconite during its summer dormancy. Wild ginger spreads slowly by rhizomes so there is no risk that it will outcompete winter aconite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is winter aconite invasive?

Winter aconite spreads easily by rhizomes and forms colonies but it is usually not considered invasive. If it starts growing beyond the designated area, simply dig it up to get rid of it.

Can you force winter aconite?

Yes, you can force winter aconite for an early indoor bloom. Just like with other spring bloomers, it requires chilling. The chill time for winter aconite is 12 weeks, after which you gradually wake it up to force it to bloom.

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