A low-growing perennial bulb with grey-green leaves and slender stems. Distinctive, elegant white flowers have outer segments which curve backwards as the flowers open in January to February. The inner segments have vertical ridges and small, green markings
0.1-0.5 metres
0-0.1 metre
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer. Thrives in part shade but will tolerate full sun as long as the soil is consistently moist. Planting snowdrops 'in the green' (when they have flowered but are still in leaf) is considered the best way of establishing them. See snowdrop cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagate by division as the foliage dies back, or by twin scaling when bulbs are dormant. See bulb propagation
No pruning required
May be susceptible to narcissus bulb fly and swift moth caterpillar
May be susceptible to snowdrop grey mould