Galanthus, commonly known as Snowdrops, are among the very first bulbs to flower in late winter, bringing welcome colour to the garden just as winter begins to fade. Their delicate white, nodding flowers are a sure sign that spring is not far away, making them one of the most treasured flowering bulbs for cool climate gardens.
Easy to grow and long-lived, Snowdrops are perfect for naturalising beneath deciduous trees, planting in drifts through lawns, tucking into borders or growing in pots and containers. With many species and cultivars available, you’ll be surprised by the variety in flower size, markings and foliage.
For the best display, plant Snowdrop bulbs in generous clumps where they can slowly multiply over the years.
You may also like ‘Snowflakes’ which are Leucojum Species , which have a similar appearance but flower differently.
Snowdrop Quick Facts
- Botanical name: Galanthus
- Common name: Snowdrop
- Plant type: Spring flowering bulb
- Flower colour: White with green markings
- Height: Around 10–15cm depending on species
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Humus-rich, moist but well-drained
- Flowering season: Late winter to early spring
- Best feature: One of the earliest flowering bulbs of the year
How to Grow Snowdrops (Galanthus)
Snowdrops prefer a humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. They grow best in part shade beneath deciduous trees, where they receive winter sunshine and summer protection once the trees come into leaf.
Although they appreciate consistent moisture while actively growing, the bulbs should never sit in waterlogged soil.
Once established, Snowdrops require very little maintenance and will slowly form attractive colonies if left undisturbed.
How to Plant Galanthus
- Plant bulbs around 5–7cm deep.
- Space bulbs approximately 5–10cm apart.
- Choose a humus-rich, well-drained soil.
- Plant in full sun to light shade, depending on your climate.
- Improve the soil with compost before planting.
- Apply a light top dressing of compost each year while the bulbs are dormant.
Snowdrops are equally at home in garden beds, woodland gardens, beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, or in containers where their delicate flowers can be appreciated up close.
Snowdrop Care
Water during the growing season if conditions become dry, but allow the bulbs to remain relatively dry during summer dormancy.
Feed with compost or a balanced slow-release fertiliser after flowering to encourage strong bulbs for the following season.
Allow the foliage to die back naturally before removing it. The leaves replenish the bulbs and help produce an even better display the following winter.
Growing Snowdrops in Pots
Snowdrops perform well in pots provided they are planted in a quality, free-draining potting mix. Keep the soil lightly moist during active growth and place containers in a sunny to partly shaded position.
Repot or divide congested clumps every few years to maintain vigorous flowering.
Propagation
Snowdrops can be propagated from seed, although the easiest and quickest method is by dividing established clumps during dormancy or soon after flowering.
Given the right conditions, they will naturally spread to form impressive drifts over time and can remain undisturbed for many years before lifting and dividing.
Popular Snowdrop Species and Cultivars
Galanthus nivalis is perhaps the best known of all Snowdrops and has naturalised throughout much of the United Kingdom. It remains one of the easiest species to grow.
Other excellent species and cultivars include:
- Galanthus elwesii – Large flowers and vigorous growth.
- Galanthus caucasicus (syn. alpinus) – A large-flowered species from Russia.
- Galanthus gracilis – Elegant flowers with a light fragrance.
- Galanthus plicatus – The Crimean Snowdrop with broad foliage and large flowers.
- Galanthus ikariae – An attractive species from the Aegean Islands with distinctive green inner petals.
- ‘Sylvan Vale Hybrids’ – A hardy group developed by the Tonkin family and particularly well suited to Australian conditions.
- Galanthus reginae-olgae – A later flowering species from Greece that performs well in warmer climates.
- Galanthus woronowii – Valued for its attractive green foliage and reliable growth.
Buying Snowdrop Bulbs
When purchasing Snowdrop bulbs, always choose firm, healthy bulbs. Soft or shrivelled bulbs are usually a sign of poor storage and are less likely to establish successfully.
Plant bulbs as soon as possible after purchase, as Snowdrop bulbs dislike drying out.
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: [email protected]
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