3 Snowdrop Flowers That Are Worth Growing In Your Garden
The snowdrop plant, also known as the Galanthus species, are flowering plants that let you know that the dark and cold days of winter will not last forever. They are iconic flowering plants that show the first signs of spring and look beautiful in the garden or another planting area, such as a container. The contrast between the dark green and brown of your winter garden, from deciduous trees for example, will be stunning. That is why we would like to highlight 3 snowdrops that are well worth growing.
3 Snowdrop Plants To Plant In Your Garden
1. Galanthus Elwesii
Meet the charming and stylish Galanthus Elwesii. This is a fantastic giant snowdrop flower that flowers beautifully in the late winter months/early spring. It has an expected height of 15 cm (6 inches) and has silver-grey, pendulous, cup-shaped flowers. It is a hardy plant with naturalising properties so that the flower will return every year. The plant has no need for special care or attention. Galanthus Elwesii is resistant to deer and combines well with other species, such as the Eranthis Hyemalis (Winter Aconite).
Details about the Galanthus Elwesii:
- Fragrant: yes
- Naturalising: yes
- Deer resistant: yes
- Flowering height: 15 cm (6 inches)
- Flowering time: late winter/early spring
- Planting depth: around 7.6 cm (3 inches)
- Sunlight: full sun/light, partial shade
2. Galanthus Nivalis Flore Pleno
Another beautiful snowdrop flower is the Galanthus Nivalis Flore Pleno. This fantastic bulb is known for its full flowering with double green and white outer petals. It will give your garden a luxurious look. The Galanthus Nivalis Flore Pleno also has a longer blooming period than the single snowdrop.
The green and white flowers of Flore Pleno are a symbol of joy after winter, and they add colour to the landscape. Every year, these snowdrops bring in the new season in style.
Details about the Galanthus Nivalis Flore Pleno:
- Fragrant: yes
- Naturalising: yes
- Deer resistant: yes
- Flowering height: 15 cm (6 inches)
- Flowering time: late winter/early spring
- Planting depth: around 7.6 cm (3 inches)
- Sunlight: full sun/partial, light shade
3. Leucojum Gravetye Giant
Leucojum Gravetye Giant is the 'big brother' of the snowdrop flower and is an excellent choice if you are looking for a species that flowers in mid to late spring. Another name for this variety is "Giant Snowflake", and it is characterised by white drooping petals with green tips and rich green foliage. The main feature of this variety is that it is resistant to flood and standing water. This makes the Leucojum Gravetye Giant the ideal plant for around a pond. At DutchGrown you will find an improved Leucojum Aestivum, meaning it will already bloom in its first year.
A Beautiful Snowdrop Flower For Bouquets And Vases
With an expected height of up to 65 cm (26 inches), the Leucojum Gravetye Giant is an annual centrepiece in the garden. However, this flowering plant is also very popular as a cut flower for use in bouquets and vases. Good to know: DutchGrown only sells snowdrop bulbs.
Details about the Leucojum Gravetye Giant:
- Fragrant: no
- Naturalising: yes
- Deer resistant: yes
- Flowering height: 65 cm (26 inches)
- Flowering time: mid/late spring
- Planting depth: around 15 cm (6 inches)
- Sunlight: full sun/partial, light shade
More Beautiful White Bell Shaped Flowers To Grow In Your Garden
As well as the 3 beautiful flowering plants mentioned above, other snowdrops are worth growing in your garden or container. Take the Galanthus Atkinsii, for example. It has a green heart in the inner petals and long, slender white petals. Or consider the Galanthus Blonde Inge, which has no green but yellow markings on the inner petals. Other varieties are the Galanthus woronowii or the Galanthus reginae olgae. No matter how you look at it, snowdrops are a fantastic addition to your garden.
When To Plant Snowdrops?
Growing snowdrops is easy. Galanthus need a cold period to develop their roots. For snowdrops to flower in late winter/early spring, you must plant the bulbs in autumn before the ground freezes. Depending on where you live, this will be around 15°C (60ºF) between September and November. Plant the bulbs between 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) apart from each other in well-drained soil.
It is important to note that snowdrop bulbs should be planted within 48 hours of receiving them. Galanthus bulbs tend to dry out when they’re kept above ground at ambient temperatures for too long.
Learn more: How to grow Galanthus (Snowdrops)?