Galanthus nivalis

ENGLISH SNOWDROP

Galanthus nivalis
ENGLISH SNOWDROP

Galanthus nivalis bears squadrons of snow white nodding bells in winter, like little dancing ballerinas twirling their tutus. And the central skirts are charmingly marked with green patterns.
So they are amongst the very first harbingers of spring coming soon, and utterly entrancing when there is so little else in the garden.

Winter droplets of whiter than white snow

They really do look like droplets of snow, so the common name of Snowdrop is apt.
However they certainly thrive, and are native to areas far distant from England.
Though English gardeners are utterly besotted with then and form “Galanthophile” Societies at the drop of an English Snowdrop.

Winter cheer under trees & shrubs

These little darlings are hardy bulbs, and easy to grow in areas that have cold winters.
And Galanthus nivalis relish being planted under deciduous trees and shrubs, where they will obligingly, with no further help from you, turn into an enchanting carpet.
So they do not need lifting or dividing.
And just a feed of all purpose fertilizer after blooming and before they die down, will keep them in excellent form for even more flowers next winter.

Surprisingly, Galanthus nivalis blooms also make good cut flowers for petite winter vases.

No dig bulbs for easy, low maintenance

The slender, deep green foliage fades away in spring without mess.
And so they lie dormant till they surprise you all over again next winter.
So leave bulbs undisturbed for years. As there is no need to dig & replant.

Galanthus nivalis are perfect under trees & shrubs

Plant Galanthus nivalis in Part shade or Dappled Sun, and they thrive under deciduous trees & shrubs.
They are hardy and weatherproof, no matter what winter chucks at them – frost, snow, wind, rain, tempest – no problems.

Rabbit & deer proof

And an extra bonus is that rabbits and deer will not touch them either – as they hate the taste.

20cm High in winter flower x 10cm Wide neat foliage.

SEED SOWING ADVICE:

Sow Galanthus nivalis in punnets indoors during autumn/winter/spring / or scatter in garden winter-early spring. Seeds need a period of cold to germinate.

Indoors: Sow Galanthus nivalis seeds in a punnet, on surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then gently press the seeds into the surface of the mix to ensure good contact.
Now barely cover the seeds with mix/grit/sand.

And thoroughly moisten the punnet by standing in a shallow water bath, and allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Then cling wrap the moist, sown punnet & place it in the fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks.

Finally remove from the fridge, unwrap the punnet & place in an unheated, cool, light place.
Most seedlings should emerge in 30 days.
But do not discard the punnet. Patience – Some seeds may come later.

Seed Count: 10 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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