Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' (summer snowflake 'Gravetye Giant') — Bulbous perennial

Overview

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' is a bulbous perennial in the genus Leucojum, part of the Amaryllidaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, naturalizing and woodland gardens. It is native to Europe.

About

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' is a bulbous perennial that reaches about 0.5 m and flowers in March to April. It carries a mild, sweet fragrance and is hardy in UK gardens. Plant it where soil stays moist to wet but drains reasonably well, in full sun. The bulbs are ornamental and must not be eaten; wear gloves when handling and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for more detail.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucojum aestivum

About the genus

Leucojum is a small genus of bulbous plants native to Eurasia belonging to the amaryllis family, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. As currently circumscribed, the genus includes only two known species, most former species having been moved into the genus Acis. Both species are known as snowflakes.

Wikipedia contributors, "Leucojum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucojum

In the garden

A large-flowered summer snowflake, Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' is a bulbous perennial native to Europe that reliably comes into bloom between March and April. It grows to roughly 0.5 m and provides a mild, sweet scent at flowering time. Its fully hardy rating (H7) means it tolerates normal UK winter conditions without special winter protection; the USDA range for reference is 4–9. Site selection favours full sun and soils that remain moist or even wet for periods but do not become waterlogged for long. It performs across sandy, loamy and clay substrates so long as there is some structure to the soil and consistent moisture during the growing season. Leave foliage to die back naturally after flowering so bulbs can recharge for the next season. Use 'Gravetye Giant' in mixed borders, for naturalising in damp grass and in woodland-edge planting where spring light reaches the ground. Because the bulbs are ornamental only and potentially harmful if ingested, handle with gloves and keep away from children and pets; the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants provides practical contacts and advice. Positioning alongside a path or seating area makes the most of its scent during the March–April flowering window.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Leucojum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Wet
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Bulbous perennial
Height: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, naturalizing, woodland gardens
Native to: Europe
Fragrance: Mild, sweet
Toxicity: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'

Cultivation: Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of about 10-15 cm; prefers moist, well-drained soil; mulch in winter
Pruning: Remove spent flower stems after flowering to tidy the plant
Propagation: Division of clumps after flowering or from seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'?

Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of about 10-15 cm; prefers moist, well-drained soil; mulch in winter.

Where is the best place to plant Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'?

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' prefers full sun.

What soil does Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' need?

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.

How do I prune Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'?

Remove spent flower stems after flowering to tidy the plant.

How big does Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' grow?

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' reaches a height of 0.5 m.

Is Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' hardy in the UK?

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'?

Division of clumps after flowering or from seed.

Is Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' toxic?

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.

More in the Leucojum genus

Browse all Leucojum →