Scientific Name
Galanthus nivalis L.
Common Name(s)
Snowdrop, Common Snowdrop, Flower of Hope
Synonym(s)
Galanthus imperati, Chianthemum nivale, Galanthus alexandri, Galanthus melvillei, Galanthus montanus, Galanthus scharlokii, Galanthus umbricus, Galanthus alexandri
Scientific Classification
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subfamily: Amaryllidoideae
Tribe: Galantheae
Genus: Galanthus
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: Between January and April
Description
Galanthus nivalis is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The leaves are narrow and grey-green. The plant blooms in mid to late winter, and it is one of the first signs of spring.
The flowers are solitary, fragrant, white, nodding, and up to 1 inch (2.5) cm long. The inner segments are marked with green at the tip.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 3a to 8b: from −40 °F (−40 °C) to 20 °F (−6.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Snowdrops need some sunlight to bloom, but too much sun will 'melt' them – causing them to wither away. Before it has leafed out in the early spring, the dappled shade of a deciduous tree is perfect.
Purchased Snowdrops are planted in the fall, but if a friend lifts some for you in the spring before the leaves have started to decline, they should take fine, too. Either way, plant them immediately. After flowering in the spring, let the foliage die back naturally. Snowdrops don't linger long, like daffodils or tulips. They'll disappear before you know it. Mark the area so you don't accidentally dig the bulbs when planting something else later in the season. In dry seasons, water periodically throughout the summer. For the most part, Snowdrops will take care of themselves. Large, established clumps may eventually have less blooms. At that point, you should consider digging them and dividing the clumps. Do this after flowering. The bulbs are small but plump and will break apart easily. Replant immediately.
It is possible to grow your Snowdrops in containers. You can squeeze them in quite close, but they'll still need to be at least 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) deep. Your containers may need some winter protection in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 6.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Snowdrops.
Origin
Galanthus nivalis is native to a large area of Europe, from Spain in the west eastwards to Ukraine. It is found in Albania, Armenia, Austria, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Links
- Back to genus Galanthus
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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