About
Leucojum vernum, the spring snowflake, is a bulbous perennial to 30 cm with strap-shaped, glossy, dark-green leaves and erect stems bearing one or two broadly bell-shaped, green-tipped white flowers 2.5 cm across in late winter and early spring. One of the most rewarding and elegant of all early-flowering bulbs for a moist, sheltered border.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toC & E Europe
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 10014,leucopogon-fraseri,Leucopogon fraseri,Otago heath,Leucopogon fraseri
Care notes
CultivationPlant dry bulbs, 8 to 10cm deep, in autumn, in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, reliably moist soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in autumn, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets after the leaves have died down. If clumps become too large, divide in early summer after the leaves have turned yellow, and replant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and narcissus bulb fly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free