Snowdrop

Galanthus nivalis

Snowdrops are the first sign of spring in the British garden, their delicate white, nodding flowers appearing as early as January in sheltered spots. They thrive in the dappled shade beneath deciduous trees and hedgerows, where summer shade and winter light replicate their natural woodland habitat. The most successful way to establish snowdrops is to plant them 'in the green' — as growing plants with leaves attached, just after flowering in February–March. Dry bulbs planted in autumn have a much lower success rate. Once established, snowdrops spread steadily by both division and self-seeding, forming ever-expanding carpets. Divide large clumps immediately after flowering by carefully digging them up, teasing them apart, and replanting in small groups. The common single snowdrop (G. nivalis) is the most vigorous and reliable; there's also an obsessive collecting community ('galanthophiles') who pay extraordinary sums for rare varieties.

Plan where to grow Snowdrop using our vegetable garden planner.