About
A compact bulbous perennial to 15cm tall, with strap-like lime green leaves and nodding white flowers in early spring, with green markings on the inner segments.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toTurkey to Caucasus
FragranceFlower
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.. This species comes mainly from north- eastern Turkey and eastern Georgia and southern Russia and is often found on chalk, but has a wide range of soils and conditions under which it grows. In the garden it is easy to grow and its leaves are a fresh green, making a change from the glaucous leaves of many other species. See snowdrop cultivation for further information.
PruningNo pruning required.
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in an open frame when ripe or division when foliage dies back. Seed may not come true
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to narcissus bulb fly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to snowdrop grey mould