Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrops)
What better to brighten one’s mood than the little tops of the widely grown winter-flowering bulbs – the Galanthus nivalis snowdrop. The cold weather may dwindle flowering choices, but snowdrops can surface braving low winter temperatures. These humble flowers and clumps of green foliage evoke romantic images of snowdrops growing on mass in woodlands.
The hardy, perennial bulbs are said to come from southern Europe and the Middle East initially. There are various species and varieties available, each differing in size. All snowdrops have hanging bell-shaped white flowers and grass-like green leaves. The Galanthus nivalis, the common snowdrop has inner petals that show a single green mark, which to me, looks like an upside down heart. These are the ones we have planted throughout the garden to cheer us on at the end of winter.
Snowdrops At A Glance
Type: blub
Location: Part shade
Blooming season: Winter / Spring
Height: 4 – 12 in. (10 cm – 30 cm)
Zones: 3 – 9
Coldest temperature hardiness: -40°C to -34°C (-40°F to -30°F)
Where to Plant And How to Care For Snowdrops
Plant the snowdrop bulbs in groups in early fall under shrubs and grassy banks. They require little attention and are easy to grow, and no pruning is required. Most thrive in well-drained humus-rich soil and prefer part shady locations where they will not dry out in the summer months. During summertime, they survive best where there is moisture. At the end of the flowering season, allow the snowdrop foliage to die back naturally. Most snowdrops will spread through your garden beds. For established clusters, divide and replant clumps after flowering, making sure they do not dry out.
Snowdrops can also look lovely in containers and window boxes. The bulbs can be purchased in many garden stores or online, but if you miss the opportunity, they are often sold flowering in pots in late winter and early spring and can be easily be replanted at that time. Snowdrops have little to worry about concerning severe pests and diseases, and due to the toxicity, the foliage and the bulb, especially, are deer resistant too. In our garden, sometimes squirrels have dug up a few bulbs, and if caught in time, I have replanted them with no harm done to the bulb. Snowdrops are toxic to animals, so care should be given if you have a puppy playing by your snowdrops.
Spend more time in the garden! Large choice of gardening supplies for your garden bed and maintaining lawns, and fun art and sculptures for your garden and vegetable patch. Check out the latest deals for garden supplies. View the awesome deck decorations and patio furniture, and the necessary garden tools, and more.
