Bulbs

Galanthus
snowdrop

- Height 4-7 in (10-18 cm)
- Planting distance 2-8 in (5-20 cm)
- Flowers midwinter to early spring
- Moist, heavy soil
- Partial shade
- Bulbs available early fall and midfall
- Hardy zones 3-9

The delicate drooping white flowers of the snowdrop are always a welcome sight in spring. As natural plants of mountains and woods, they thrive under cool, moist conditions. They look most effective planted in clusters under deciduous trees to flower among the fallen brown leaves.

Popular species and cultivars
Galanthus elwesii has larger flowers than the common snowdrop, with deep green on the inner petals. The flowers appear in late winter and early spring on stems 4-7 in (10-18 cm) high. Galanthus nivalis, the common snowdrop, flowers from midwinter on. Its height varies from 4-6 in (10-15 cm), depending on the growing conditions; it will grow tallest in rich soil in partial shade. Single- and double-flowered forms are available, as well as the cultivar 'Flore Pleno,' which has large, scented double flowers.

Bulbs