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Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop)

Snowdrop, Common Snowdrop, Fair Maids of February, Little Sister of the Snows, Purification Flower, Candlemas Bells, Candlemas Lily, Common Bells

AGM Award
Galanthus, Galanthus Nivalis, Snowdrop, Common Snowdrop, Fair Maids of February, Little Sister of the Snows, Purification Flower, Candlemas Bells, Candlemas Lily, Common Bells, early flowering bulb, winter bulb, white flowering bulb
Galanthus, Galanthus Nivalis, Snowdrop, Common Snowdrop, Fair Maids of February, Little Sister of the Snows, Purification Flower, Candlemas Bells, Candlemas Lily, Common Bells, early flowering bulb, winter bulb, white flowering bulb

Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop) is one of the earliest and loveliest spring flowering bulbs, adding several weeks of color and beauty to the garden from late winter – early spring. Slightly fragrant, this small bulbous perennial features dainty, nodding white flowers with a green spot at the apex of each petal atop 2 narrow, grayish-green leaves. The foliage emerges before the flowers, develops during and after bloom, and neatly fades away in spring.

  • Grows up to 8-10 inches tall (20-25 cm). Once established, it naturalizes well and comes back year after year. It will multiply very quickly under favorable growing conditions.
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Thrives in moist soils that provide sufficient nutrients in part shade.
  • Best planted en masse in sweeping drifts in woodlands, lawns, or under deciduous trees. Great in clusters in rock gardens or border fronts too.
  • Low maintenance, it doesn’t need weeding or deadheading!
  • Deer and critter resistant, it is virtually disease and trouble-free!
  • Plant the bulbs 2-3 in. deep (5-7 cm) and space 2-3 in. apart (5-7 cm) in fall.
  • Allow the foliage to die back naturally to replenish the bulb’s energy for next year’s growth and flowers.
  • Propagate by seed, sown in containers in an open frame when ripe, or division when the foliage dies back. Seed may not come true
  • Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset, and skin contact might irritate.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, A1, A2
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Galanthus
Common names Snowdrop
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Winter
Height 8" - 10"
(20cm - 25cm)
Spread 3" - 6"
(8cm - 15cm)
Spacing 2" - 3"
(5cm - 8cm)
Depth 2" - 3"
(5cm - 8cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Galanthus reginae-olgae (Autumn Snowdrop)
Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’ (Snowdrop)
Galanthus plicatus ‘Wendy’s Gold’ (Pleated Snowdrop)
Galanthus ‘Lady Beatrix Stanley’ (Snowdrop)
Galanthus nivalis Sandersii Group (Snowdrop)
Galanthus ‘S. Arnott’ (Snowdrop)

Recommended Companion Plants

Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite)
Scilla bifolia (Alpine Squill)
Cyclamen coum (Persian Violet)
Helleborus x hybridus ‘Double Ellen Pink’ (Hellebore)
Helleborus Anna’s Red (Hellebore)
Crocus tommasinianus ‘Ruby Giant’ (Early Crocus)

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Galanthus (Snowdrop)
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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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, A1, A2
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Galanthus
Common names Snowdrop
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Winter
Height 8" - 10"
(20cm - 25cm)
Spread 3" - 6"
(8cm - 15cm)
Spacing 2" - 3"
(5cm - 8cm)
Depth 2" - 3"
(5cm - 8cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Galanthus (Snowdrop)
Not sure which Galanthus (Snowdrop) to pick?
Compare Now

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