Alphabetical Plant Listing

Chionodoxa (Glory Of The Snow)

Glory Of The Snow, Chionodoxa siehei, Chionodoxa sardensis, Chionodoxa forbesii, Chionodoxa luciliae, Scilla siehei, Scilla sardensis, Scilla forbesii, Scilla luciliae (Chionodoxa)


Chionodoxa are one of the earliest and loveliest spring flowering bulbs, adding beauty to the garden. Flowers are saucer-shaped with a conspicuous white eye in the center and bloom in very early spring.

  • Growing up to 4-6 in. tall (10-20 cm), each bulb produces 2-3 narrow, basal leaves and an upright flower stalk which is topped by a loose one-sided raceme of attractive starry flowers.
  • Once established, it naturalizes well and comes back year after year. If an increase in the number of bulbs is desired, the planting location should be left entirely undisturbed: using rakes should be avoided, and weeding should not be done. Also, leave the foliage undisturbed in the autumn so that it can decay and enrich the soil at that location. Doing so encourages new growth.
  • Easily grown in averagemediumwell-drained soils in full sun to part shade
  • Best planted en masse in sweeping drifts in woodlandslawns, or under deciduous trees. Also great in clusters in rock gardens. Always plant at least 15 bulbs. Various species of Primula (Primrose), Pulmonaria (Lungwort), Pulsatilla (Pasque flowers), Hepatica, Arabis (Wall rock-cress), Aubrieta and Helleborus (Christmas or Lenten rose) make good planting companions.
  • Deer and critter resistant, it is virtually disease and trouble-free.
  • Chionodoxa species provide a pretty display when planted among many kinds of perennial plants in the border. 

Just as with many other kinds of bulbous plants, it is also possible to plant Chionodoxa in layers. An example would be to plant narcissi bulbs at their normal planting depth, add soil to the planting holes up to the level of the bulbs’ noses, and then plant the Chionodoxa bulbs on top. The blue provided by the Chionodoxa flowers is a lovely accent for plants such as yellow and white narcissi or the small early-flowering red tulips. See the layering method (lasagna method).

Learn How To Plant And Care for Your Spring Flower Bulbs

 To achieve optimum flowering results, it is important to plant the bulbs at the right time.


Read More

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, A2, A3
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Chionodoxa - Glory of the Snow, Scilla - Squills
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring
Height 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm)
Spread 2" (5cm)
Spacing 2" (5cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

taratata / 123RF Banque d'images

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, A2, A3
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Chionodoxa - Glory of the Snow, Scilla - Squills
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring
Height 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm)
Spread 2" (5cm)
Spacing 2" (5cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
Not sure which Chionodoxa - Glory of the Snow to pick?
Compare All Chionodoxa - Glory of the Snow
Great Plant Combination
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Guides with Chionodoxa - Glory of the Snow Not sure which Scilla - Squills to pick?
Compare All Scilla - Squills
Guides with Scilla - Squills

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