Plant Guide: Galanthus

The snowdrop (G. nivalis) is much loved because it flowers as early as the end of winter, when everything outside still looks bleak. Most of the roughly twelve species flower from late winter into early spring, although there is also a species that flowers in autumn: G. reginae-olgae. G. elwesii and G. caucasicus also flower very early. Good cultivars are available of several species.

G. nivalis grows no taller than 10–12.5 cm, but larger varieties such as G. elwesii can reach 25 cm. The nodding flowers have three long, pure white petals and three shorter ones with a bright green, horseshoe-shaped marking. The dark green foliage is matt or glossy, but usually shorter than the flower stems.

GROWING CONDITIONS

Position Preferably in shade or in filtered sunlight.

Location Ideal for rock gardens, the front of beds and borders, or for naturalising under deciduous trees. The soil must contain plenty of organic matter to stop it drying out too much in summer. For this reason, apply a generous mulch of well-rotted cow manure, compost or leaf mould in autumn.

GROWING

Planting Plant the bulbs in autumn, 8–10 cm deep (deeper in light soil), spaced roughly the same distance apart. Don't let the bulbs dry out before planting. Snowdrops do better if transplanted while in growth — after flowering. Flowering plants are available at specialist garden centres and nurseries in late winter or early spring.

Feeding Apply a mulch of well-rotted organic matter in autumn. Watering is usually not necessary.

Problems As far as is known, there are no particular problems.

FLOWERING

Season From winter throughout spring, depending on the species.

Cutting The flowers can be used for small spring posies.

AFTER FLOWERING

Care Established clumps can be lifted, divided and replanted as soon as the flowers have finished. Don't leave the plants out of the ground any longer than strictly necessary.

AT A GLANCE

A small, delicate bulb, loved for its flowers that appear at the end of winter and in early spring. Very hardy.

Recommended varieties:

• 'Atkinsii', 'Cordelia', 'Sam Arnott'
• Galanthus lutescens: 'Magnet'
• Galanthus nivalis: 'Flore Pleno', 'Lady Elphinstone', 'Lutescens', 'Pusey Green Tip', 'Scharlockii', 'Viridapicis'