About
Leucojum aestivum, the summer snowflake, is a robust, deciduous bulb to 50 cm tall with long, narrow, dark-green, strap-shaped leaves and leafless stems bearing umbels of up to eight, nodding, bell-shaped, green-tipped white flowers in spring. A beautiful and reliable bulb for a moist, sheltered border or pond margin.
About the genus
Leucojum, the snowflakes, are bulbous perennials with narrowly strap-shaped leaves and umbels of nodding, bell-shaped white flowers, each tepal often tipped with green, in autumn, winter or spring. Hardy and rewarding bulbs for moist, sheltered borders and pond margins.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurope to N Iran
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationPlant dry bulbs 8-10cm (3-4in) deep in autumn. Grow in moist, humus-rich soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or remove offsets once the leaves have died down
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and narcissus bulb fly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free