Xela's Garden
Snowdrop [S,V]
Genus: Galanthus.
Species: Galanthus nivalis.
Divided
- Visatabile '07, '10 , '11
- Shenstone '08 , '11[from V] front gate posts
- Blossom Cottage '11[from V] lilac border
Snowdrops mark the first sign of spring, flowering ahead of daffodils and bluebells. They emerge through frozen soil from January and are in bloom until late-February.
When you see a drift of snowdrops it's easy to understand their appeal. Most of them appear very early in the year while other bulbs lie dormant, and they never fail to lift the spirits and remind us that spring is on its way.
There are several hundred cultivars of snowdrop, often only distinguishable by the markings on the inner three petals of each flowerhead. There are both single and double varieties; most are green although some, e.g. Galanthus nivalis 'Sandersii' are yellow.
Planting combinations
Try growing snowdrops under deciduous shrubs, e.g. Cornus alba 'Sibirica Variegata', or along the front of borders where herbaceous plants can provide ground cover when the snowdrops are dormant.
Snowdrops are also ideal for naturalising in grass and moss under a tree. They do well in pots, but they will need repotting annually.
Planting snowdrops
Plant snowdrops in-the-green in spring after they have finished flowering, but before the leaves have died down. This helps them absorb moisture quickly after they have been planted, as dry, rootless snowdrop bulbs do not re-establish well.
Snowdrops enjoy a well-drained spot in light shade, similar to their natural woodland habitat. If you are planting your bulbs in a heavy soil, add a little sharp sand or grit to the planting hole to improve drainage.
[Source: www.gardenersworld.com/plants/features/snowdrops/ ]
Photos of this plant
Reminders for this plant
Due almost 17 years ago:
Lift and divide
Lift & divide large clumps while in 'the green' ( every 3 years or so),
replant about two bulb widths apart in light shade.
Lift & divide
Lift & divide large clumps while in 'the green' ( every 3 years or so),
replant about two bulb widths apart in light shade.
Due almost 16 years ago:
Lift & divide
Lift & divide large clumps while in 'the green' ( every 3 years or so),
replant about two bulb widths apart in light shade.
Due over 15 years ago:
Divide mother's
Lift & divide large clumps while in 'the green' ( every 3 years or so),
replant about two bulb widths apart in light shade.
Due almost 15 years ago:
Divide
Lift & divide large clumps while in 'the green' ( every 3 years or so),
replant about two bulb widths apart in light shade.
Due almost 14 years ago:
Divide
Lift & divide large clumps while in 'the green' ( every 3 years or so),
replant about two bulb widths apart in light shade.
Due over 12 years ago:
Divide
Lift & divide large clumps while in 'the green' ( every 3 years or so),
replant about two bulb widths apart in light shade.
Due over 11 years ago:
Divide
Lift & divide large clumps while in 'the green' ( every 3 years or so), [some done '11]
replant about two bulb widths apart in light shade.
