Quick Guide: spring, hardy, smei-shade, height: 10cm/4in, width: 7.5cm/3in

The winter aconite, Eranthis hyemalis (above), cheerfully bears its rounded, buttercup-like yellow flowers while snow is still on the ground. The stems are leafless, but each flower is surrounded by a neck-ruff of narrow leaves.

GROWING Plant the tubers in late summer, setting them 2.5cm/1 in deep in small groups. They are happiest in soil enriched with peat or leaf-mould, preferably nestling beneath shrubs where they can naturalize undisturbed. Keep weed-free and well-watered, especially in spring.

PROPAGATION When the plants start to die down, lift the tubers and cut or break them into small sections. Replant immediately.

VARIETIES There are no named varieties of the species. The hybrid E. x tubergenii flowers a little later but bears slightly larger flowers. Named varieties such as `Guinea Gold' have bronzed foliage.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Birds may damage the flowerbuds.