Snowdrops

Sheathed in strappy, often arching, bright green or greyish leaves, thin stems dangle bell-like white flowers, outer petals flaring to reveal shorter inner ones touched with green. Some have double flowers.

Snowdrops will grow in most soil types, apart from permanently wet soil, preferably in partial shade – around deciduous trees and shrubs is ideal.

These plants dislike very dry, sandy soils, especially in full sun that dries out around the bulbs out in summer.

Besides the familiar early snowdrops, look out for Galanthus reginae-olgae, which flowers in autumn. It prefers a sunny position.