What better winter respite than the sight of carpets of snowdrops on a crisp, frosty morning? Snowdrop bulbs grow in dappled shade under trees or woodland glades. They're delicate but robust and a true iconic of the end of winter.
Even though they may look similar, slight variations in snowdrops make them unique in their own way.
If you love the double variation, try snowdrop Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno'. The dainty white petals have touches of green, making them genuinely stunning when they appear in January. Growing up to 30cm in height, they are perfect under a tree or naturalising in borders.
For a larger-than-normal bloom, try Galanthus 'S. Arnott'. This is a fairly rare variety as it is both vigorous and plumper than usual. The snowdrop flower smells like honey and blooms in January and March, attracting early pollinators.
The common snowdrop bulb Galanthus nivalis is the perfect remedy for a long winter. It flowers from January through March. This variety is particularly great for naturalising in lawns, adding seasonal interest when little else is in bloom.
Try the robust Galanthus woronowii. These snowdrops have been in the UK for about 100 years and can grow in forests, fields, ditches, and stony slopes. This makes them perfect for anyone who wants to buy snowdrop bulbs for awkward locations.
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Growing snowdrops is fairly straightforward and easy to establish. Once established, they will come back year after year with more and more bell-shaped flowers.
The best time to plant galanthus bulbs is in the autumn, between September and November. This allows enough time to lay down roots before the winter sets in.
Read more about how and when to plant snowdrops in our comprehensive guides.
If you love the look of spring flowers on lawns, then snowdrop bulbs are a top choice. They are incredibly easy to naturalise. For a realistic look, start by making a natural drift on one side of the lawn.
Scatter the bulbs on the surface and plant them where they land. A bulb auger will make this easier, as it will remove a core of soil for each bulb.
When the flowers have faded, wait six weeks, and you can mow the lawn as normal. Ensure that on the first mow of the season, you set the lawn mower on the highest setting to protect the bulbs. Lower the height of the cut in the next few weeks.
The common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, is a great choice for lawn snowdrops. Pair with Crocus tommasinianus for a sea of purple and white in early spring.
If you are a collector or want a slightly more unique snowdrop, try one of our rarer varieties.
Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice' is a taller variety with spathes. When in full bloom, the white flowers look like they have a hood. The ends of the petals appear to have been 'painted' with green markings.
Galanthus elwesii, named after H.J. Elwes is a great addition to the collection. The flowers have two green spots on the inner petals. These sometimes join to form an entirely green inner face.
Another great variety is Galanthus 'S. Arnott'. A rare variety that is larger and more vigorous than usual. Samuel Arnott, a snowdrop aficionado, discovered it in his garden and introduced it into cultivation.
To avoid hybridised varieties, divide large colonies every 2-3 years. This will ensure any new flowers remain true to form.