Snowdrop Flowers: Tips and Tricks for Thriving Plants

Snowdrops, scientifically known as Galanthus nivalis, are among the first flowers to bloom in spring. This bulb plant is effortless to care for and adaptable to various locations in the garden. It is also resistant to pests and diseases. Snowdrops are related to amaryllis bulbs and daffodils. These tiny plants typically appear in February or March, even with snow still covering the ground, hence the name Galanthus nivalis. Their small white bell-shaped flowers hang off a green leafless stalk like a “drop” before blooming into three outer and three inner petals that nod down to the ground. Snowdrops are toxic to people and pets, so consider other options if this is a concern. However, their toxicity also means they are rarely eaten by pests. Snowdrops prefer well-drained loamy, sandy, or humusy soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. They bloom early in spring and are hardy in zones 3 to 7 in the USA. Snowdrops are native to Western Asia and Eastern Europe and have common names like “fair maids of February” and “Candlemas bells.”

Rewording: The picture was taken by Evgeniya Vlasova for The Spruce.

Snowdrops are easy to care for. To plant them, loosen the soil and plant the bulbs 3 inches deep, with the thin end facing upwards. Plant them in autumn, and make sure not to buy them too far ahead of time. Space the bulbs 3 to 4 inches apart and add bulb fertilizer for optimal growth. After they’ve flowered, let the foliage turn yellow before removing it to allow the plant to store nutrients for next year. Snowdrops are perfect for rock gardens, woodland gardens, and moon gardens, and pair well with other early spring flowers like Chionodoxa, Crocus, Winter aconite, and Adonis flowers. Snowdrops need sunlight but can tolerate partial shade, making them ideal for planting under deciduous trees. They grow best in loose, well-drained soil with plenty of humus and need more water in warmer climates. Snowdrops don’t do well in high heat and humidity, so they’re generally grown only up to zone 7. A bulb fertilizer at planting time and compost in late fall will provide sufficient nutrition for growth. Different types of snowdrops include Galanthus elwesii, Galanthus nivalis, and Leucojum vernum, among others. Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’ has double flowers, while Galanthus nivalis ‘Viride Apic’ has green markings on its petals. Leucojum aestivum blooms later in mid-spring and is similar in size to L. vernum, which is called the “spring snowflake”. Unlike snowdrops, all six petals of snowflakes are the same length, and a stem of summer snowflake can bear up to six flowers.

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When it comes to maintaining snowdrops, pruning isn’t necessary. The plant will naturally “die back” when it’s ready to go dormant, making it very low-maintenance. If you want to propagate snowdrops, take advantage of their natural ability to spread and multiply by lifting and dividing the bulbs. While it is technically possible to grow snowdrops from seed, it’s not worth the hassle since the bulbs are inexpensive and readily available in most home improvement centers during the fall. Snowdrops are also cold-hardy and can survive on their own without any special treatment during the winter months. To get snowdrops to bloom, simply provide them with the recommended growing conditions. When growing snowdrops, be aware that they’re toxic to humans, dogs, and cats, so avoid contact and definitely don’t eat them. Moles won’t eat your bulbs, but they can dislodge them while searching for insects underground.