Galanthus nivalis
snowdrop - In The Green
- Position: partial shade
- Soil: humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: January and February
- Flower colour: pure white
- Other features: all parts of the plant may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested; contact with the bulbs may cause skin irritation
- Hardiness: fully hardy
- Garden care: Plant in naturalistic drifts when they arrive. Where bulbs are planted in grass do not cut the grass until after the leaves have died back. Divide large colonies immediately after flowering while the leaves are still green.
Snowdrop bulbs bought in the autumn tend to get dehydrated and this can lead to disappointing results. This is why planting bulbs 'in the green' is becoming more and more popular. Snowdrops are perfect for naturalising in grass. Plant in well-drained, moisture-retentive soil.
Helleborus × hybridus Harvington double white
Lenten rose hellebore
Great for lighting up a shady border
Lonicera × purpusii 'Winter Beauty'
winter honeysuckle
Fantastic fragrance during the winter
Narcissus 'Lieke'
jonquilla daffodil bulbs
Truly unique and only available from crocus
Betula pendula
silver birch
Graceful white-barked tree
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Pure and virginal, the single snowdrop pushes through the bare earth with a green spear before opening its willowy flower -a true harbinger of spring
Val Bourne - Garden Writer