Family: Amaryllidaceae
Common Name: Snowdrop

In cool and cold parts of the US the first snow-drop the first snowdrop announces the begin­ning of spring, often appearing while snow is still on the ground. These delicate, little, white, nodding flowers appear in singles or doubles on slender stems above the flat, narrow, strap-like leaves. They are different from snowflakes, Leucojuun species, in that some of the white petals, the three shorter ones, have green horse-shoe markings on them. Snowdrops are native to Europe and western Asia where they occur both in woodland and exposed rocky outcrops.

Species

G. caucasicus, zone 5, to 15 cm (6 in), often flowers from late autumn to early spring. G. elwesii is an early bloomer and a strong grower, to 20 cm (8 in).

G. nivalis, the common or wild snowdrop, zone 4, which grows to around 10 cm (4 in), has single flow­ers, with green-tipped petals, and blue-green leaves. 'Fiore Pleno', 10-15 cm (4-6 in), pro­duces double flowers.

G. plicatus, Crimean snowdrop, to 20 cm (8 in), produces largish flowers with green markings. G. plicatus subsp. byzantinus, to 20-30 cm (8-12 in), has broad, dark green, 12 cm (5 in) long leaves and among the largest flowers of the species, with green marks at the base of the inner segments. Many named cultivars and hybrids of snowdrops have been produced, particularly in Europe, and specialist bulb growers should be able to offer some of these.

Cultivation

Snowdrops need a cool, shady spot and a light soil. Plant the bulbs, 8 cm (3 in) deep and S cm (2 in) apart, in late summer. They are perfect for naturalizing under decidu­ous trees. They can be lifted, divided and replanted when they are in leaf, as soon as flowering is over.

Climate

Zone 6, unless otherwise indicated below.