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Early to Rise, Early to Bed

AndrewR

By AndrewR

9 comments


Some people are early risers; others are night birds. There is no difference in the plant world as some make use of the early light or moisture in their native environments before retreating for the remainder of the year.

Adonis amurensis is a small bulb from northeast Asia, where it grows in cool, moist, humus rich, acid soils in woodland shade. Very hardy, it emerges in early spring or even late winter, with ferny foliage closely followed in the true species by yellow, single flowers.

The foliage continues to expand after flowering but the plant goes dormant by early summer, so be sure to mark its position to avoid disturbing it later in the year. It increases very slowly, either by seed sown as soon it is ripe, or by division immediately after becoming dormant.

Several named forms of A. amurensis have originated in Japan, ranging in colour through various shades of yellow to orange. There are also hybrids, some of which have A. amurensis as a parent. But I prefer the simplicity of the single flowered form and enjoy its early contribution to spring.

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Comments

 

Is it a relative of Aconites Andrew ? Its lovely.

15 Feb, 2016

 

Diane - the aconites are eranthis, but both are in the ranunculaceae family. This is a large family, containing around 1700 species including anemones, clematis, delphiniums, hellebores, thalictrums, trollius, and of course ranunculus (buttercup).

15 Feb, 2016

 

ranunculaceae is one of the few latin names I can remember.

Will look for some at the GC.

16 Feb, 2016

 

Its very pretty.

16 Feb, 2016

 

Interesting blog.

16 Feb, 2016

 

A very attractive little plant......

16 Feb, 2016

 

It is a pretty plant....

17 Feb, 2016

 

We get spoiled for choice during spring,summer and autumn flowers. Yet when we look at one little intricate,
beautiful, flower this time of year its most beautiful
and delightful to ponder over.

17 Feb, 2016

 

You're right Diane - just as very expensive shops will display just one dress or one hat in the window...

17 Feb, 2016

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