As dry bulbs
Most bulbs are moved as dry bulbs, when they are in a resting state, rootless and leafless. However, some kinds, including snowdrops (Galanthus) and snowflakes (Leucojum), do not re-establish well following planting as dry bulbs, and often few if any surviving their move. The corms of hardy cyclamen and the rhizomes of wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) may also fail to establish when planted in a dry state.
In the green
A more successful approach is to move snowdrops ‘in-the-green’, i.e. in spring when the plants are in full leaf and the flowers fading. Specialist nurseries offer snowdrops ‘in-the-green’ and supply them damp-wrapped.
Lifting and planting
Lift when the soil is moist, using a border or hand fork. Carefully tease the clumps of bulbs apart by hand, trying to avoid damaging the roots. Ideally, replant singly, spacing at least two bulbs width apart. Where large clumps include small seedlings, replant the bulbs in small clusters. Using a trowel excavate holes wide enough to spread the roots out well and deep enough to plant at the same depth as before, indicated by a change in stem colour from green to white. Then water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Soil and situation
Snowdrops prefer a moisture-retentive, humus-rich, woodland type soil. The site should be well-drained, cool and shady, but it shouldn’t dry out in summer. Most soils benefit from the incorporation before planting of a good quantity of well decomposed leaf mould or leaf-litter, particularly when attempting to establish dry bulbs.
The RHS Practical Guide to Bulbs, published by Dorling Kindersley, is available from RHS Enterprises, priced £4.99. For more information e-mail: mailorder@rhs.org.uk
Conservation and Environment leaflets
Wild and endangered plants in cultivation