Eranthis hyemalis, Winter Aconite is endemic to the Balkans and the northeast Mediterranean and has become naturalised over much of Europe including the UK. It is among the earliest of the winter-flowering bulbs and it is always such a joy to see these large yellow blooms in the depths of winter. A member of the Ranunculaceae, the flowers resemble gigantic Buttercups and are held aloft above the corona of peltate foliage with their notched lobes creating a spectacular display in large colonies. The shape of the foliage and the vibrancy of the flowers creates an unusally exotic effect like a carpet of yellow Nuphar waterlilies.

Exotic gardeners often overlook Eranthis in their quest for the rare and increasingly unusual yet Winter Aconite deserves to be looked at with fresh eyes. Fully hardy, a mid-winter no-fuss gem that conveniently disappears as the growing season develops, Eranthis hyemalis should be championed rather than dismissed just because it has become somewhat familiar.