Eranthis hyemalis

Eranthis hyemalis is a native European woodland plant, bearing a bright display of golden yellow buttercup-like flowers, surrounded by divided leafy bracts, from mid- late-winter. An efficient ground cover plant, it quickly spreads and makes a dramatic yellow carpet just as the first snowdrops begin to bloom. It's perfect for planting beneath trees or naturalising in grass. Dry tubers can be bought in autumn, but, like snowdrops, they're generally not as successul as plants bought 'in the green' (in leaf) either during or just after flowering time, which will establish much more readily. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).