Winter aconites, or Eranthis hyemalis are small tuberous perennials which appear in early spring bearing their lovely bright golden yellow cup shaped flowers, up to 3cm across,
over deeply divided fresh green leaves. Naturalised in grass, under trees or bushes, at the front of a border, they really gladden the heart as they smile up and the herald the spring. 10cm x 10cm, as individual plants, but left undisturbed they will bulk up well. Hardy and will suit most soil conditions, but happiest in an alkaline (limey) soil.