Snowdrop, Common Snowdrop
Galanthus nivalis
Family: Amaryllidaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late winter, Mid winter. Form: Upright or erect.
Galanthus nivalis is a BULB growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from January to June, in flower from February to March, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Shady pastures, woods and orchards, usually on damp soils. Probably native in Wales and W. England, but naturalized in other parts of Britain.
Europe, including Britain, the Netherlands to the Pyrenees, east to N. Syria, S. E. Russia, W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is emmenagogue.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Rock garden, Woodland garden. Prefers a moist heavy loam, growing well in grass or amongst shrubs. Prefers a shady position. The dormant bulbs are fairly hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -5°c. A very ornamental plant, it grows well on the woodland edge. The bulbs should be planted about 5 - 7cm deep as early in the spring as possible. A good bee plant, providing an early source of pollen and nectar. Special Features:Not North American native, Naturalizing, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Fragrant flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow the seed thinly so that there is no need to thin them. The seed usually germinates in the spring. Grow them on in the same pot in a cold frame for the first two years, giving an occasional liquid feed to ensure the plants do not become nutrient deficient. Pot up the small bulbs whilst they are still in leaf in early summer of their second year's growth, putting about 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on in the cold frame for a further year before planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring whilst they are still in growth. The plants take about 4 years to flower from seed. Division of offsets. This is best done immediately after the plants have finished flowering (and still have green leaves) though it can also be done in late summer and early autumn when the plants are dormant. Scooping.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Meadow;
Habit: Bulb
Hardiness: 3-9
Growth: Medium
Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The bulb is somewhat poisonous