Snowdrops – Bulbs and Species
Galanthus are commonly called ‘Snowdrops’ and are a late winter flowering bulb valued for the colour at this time of the year.
They are one of the first bulbs to flower after winter and with many species and cultivars available you will be surprised with the range available.
These are a bulb that are best planted in clumps for the great display. They can be naturalised into lawns, grown in the border at the base of shrubs or deciduous trees, or you could grow them in containers.
You may also like ‘Snowflakes’ which are Leucojum Species
How to Grow Snowdrops (Galanthus – Basic Care
Galanthus all prefer a humus rich moist soil in part shade.
How to Plant Galanthus
- Plant bulbs at around 2 – 3 inches deep (5 – 7 cms)
- Choose a humus rich soil.
- A position with good drainage is also important.
- Light shade to full sun depending on the climate zone.
- Add a top dressing of compost each year when they are dormant.
Most Galanthus do well in part shade beneath deciduous trees and can also be grown in pots or containers. Galanthus will grow to 15cm depending on species.
Propagation
Propagation of Galanthus or ‘snowdrops’ is from seed, or more usually by dividing established clumps during dormancy. Over time they will naturally form large clumps and can be left for many years before dividing.
Galanthus nivalis is perhaps the most common of the species while Galanthus Ikariae is an interesting species with green inner petals, from the Aegean islands.
Galanthus species and cultivars include :
- elwesii, which is a large flowering and vigorous species
- causacasicus syn alpinus, a large flowering species from Russia
- gracilus, with slightly fragrant flowers , a small and elegant species
- plicatus, large flowers broad foliage and known as the Crimean Snowdrop
- nivalis, sometime called the ‘English Snowdrop’ as it has naturalised over large areas of the UK since it was introduced many years ago
- ‘sylvan vale hybrids’, a hardy group raised by the Tonkins excellent in Australian conditions
- reginae-olgae, a late flowering species from Greece that grows well in warmer climates
- woronowii, good green foliage and an easy one to grow
Always make sure that newly purchased bulbs are firm, soft bulbs will generally mean poor storage and will probably not grow.
Galanthus or ‘Snowdrops’ are available for sale online from the following suppliers
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
365 Lighthouse Rd Wynyard. TAS 7325
PH 03 6442 2012
email to: sales@vdqbulbs.com.au
www.vdqbulbs.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
2 Jacksons Hill Rd, Menzies Creek VIC 3159
Hundreds of different varieties of daffodils as well as other beautiful spring & autumn flowering bulbs for home gardeners. Free colour catalogues available. Tulips, Daffodils,Alliums, Freesias, Iris and many other bulbs.
www.daffodilbulbs.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au