Overview

Leucojum vernum is a bulbous perennial in the genus Leucojum, part of the Amaryllidaceae family. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Leucojum vernum grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and woodland gardens. It is native to C & E Europe.

About

Leucojum vernum is a bulbous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae that produces nodding white, bell-like flowers with a mild, sweet fragrance. It flowers from March to April and typically reaches about 0.2 m in height. Plants perform best in full shade in moist but well-drained sandy, loamy or clay soils. The bulbs are ornamental only and should not be eaten, so handle with gloves and other protective equipment.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucojum vernum

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 bulbous perennial belonging to the Amaryllidaceae, Leucojum vernum is native to central and eastern Europe. It is noted for its white, bell-shaped flowers and a mild, sweet scent that appears in spring; flowering occurs from March to April. Plants stay compact at around 0.2 m, making them suited to planting where early spring interest is needed at ground level. Give Leucojum vernum a permanently shady spot and reliably moist but well-drained soil; it adapts to sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as drainage prevents waterlogging. The UK hardiness rating H7 translates to fully hardy, so established bulbs tolerate typical winter conditions in Britain (USDA zones 4–8 under the provided guidance). Avoid exposing the bulbs to prolonged drought while foliage is active. Use spring snowflake in borders, rock gardens and woodland garden schemes where shade and moisture are available. Because the flowers appear early, they work well tucked beneath deciduous shrubs that leaf later, and their scent adds a subtle note to early-season planting. Remember the bulbs are ornamental only and should not be eaten; wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Leucojum

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Leucojum vernum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Bulbous perennial

Height

0.2 m

Suggested uses

Borders, rock gardens, woodland gardens

Native to

C & E 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 vernum

Cultivation

Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of about 10 cm; prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging

Pruning

Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation; allow foliage to die back naturally

Propagation

By bulb division after flowering or by seed

Frequently asked questions

More in the Leucojum genus

• 
  Leucojum aestivumsummer snowflake
• 
  Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'summer snowflake 'Gravetye Giant'
• 
  Leucojum aestivum subsp. aestivum
• 
  Leucojum aestivum var. pulchellumSnowflake
• 
  Leucojum autumnaleAutumn Snowflake