Botanical name
Galanthus nivalis
Other names
Common snowdrop, Fair maids of February, Little sister of the snows, purification flower, Candlemas bells, Candlemas lily, Common bells
Genus
Galanthus
Species
G. nivalis – G. nivalis is a bulbous perennial with narrow, grey-green leaves, and solitary, nodding, fragrant, double white flowers in spring.
Foliage
Deciduous
Fragrance
Flower has fragrance
Habit
Mat Forming, Weeping
Toxicity
Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset and skin contact might irritate.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
COLOUR
Flower
Green, White in Winter
Foliage
Green, Grey-green in Winter
HOW TO CARE
Watch out for
Specific pests
Slugs , Narcissus bulb fly
Specific diseases
Grey mould
WHERE TO GROW
Galanthus nivalis (Common snowdrop) will reach a height of 0.2m and a spread of 0.1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Underplanting, Wildflower
Cultivation
Plant in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer. Although you can plant bulbs, it is better to plant ‘in the green’, when the plant has foliage and flowers in show. These tend to establish better than bulbs without growth
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
