About
A garden-worthy, bulbous bulb, to around 15cm high, with narrow, grey-green leaves. Nodding white flowers are produced in late winter and early spring, with white outer petals marked with a crescent of green speckles near the tip and brushed with pale green near the base. Inner petals are marked with a dark emerald 'v' at the tip blending into a blotch that extends almost to the base.
About the genus
Galanthus are dwarf bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped leaves, and solitary, often honey-scented, nodding flowers with 3 white outer tepals and 3 smaller inner ones often marked with green
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
ToxicityHumans/Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer. Thrives in part shade but will tolerate full sun as long as the soil is consistently moist. See snowdrop cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division as the foliage dies back, or by twin scaling when bulbs are dormant. See bulb propagation
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to narcissus bulb fly and swift moth caterpillar
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to snowdrop grey mould