Growing Chionodoxa in pots

What pot for Chionodoxa?

Chionodoxas being small bulbous plants, they can be placed solitarily in small pots or containers, wider than deep: a depth of about ten centimetres may suffice, although larger pots are always better. You can choose a classic round pot, a container, a bowl, or a basket.

They can also be planted “in lasagnes” or in layers, alongside other spring or summer bulbs to extend the appeal of your display over the months. In this case, take a large container of 40 cm in length or a large pot of at least 30 cm in diameter and deep enough to hold 2 or 3 layers of bulbs, at least 40 cm deep. For a colourful composition with Tulips and Daffodils, for example, note that the Chionodoxas bulbs should be placed last in the pot. Indeed, the small bulbs need to be in the upper layer. It is also possible to plant your Chionodoxas at the base of a bush in a large trough.

Preferably choose terracotta containers, which are more eco-friendly and breathable. However, if you prefer to opt for a plastic or resin pot for more design or lightness, remember that these materials are not porous and do not allow the substrate and roots to aerate properly.

The most important thing is that the bottom of the container is pierced to allow excess water to drain and thus prevent the bulbs from rotting if the soil is waterlogged.

Pots, containers, flowering baskets… small containers can be suitable for Chionodoxas

What substrate for Chionodoxa in pots?

Chionodoxa will appreciate well-draining, rather sandy substrates. You can therefore opt for a potting compost, which can be a lightweight compost for planting on a balcony.

You can also choose a mixture composed of equal parts:

• good garden soil,
• coarse sand,
• compost or potting compost.

To improve drainage, install a layer of gravel or clay balls at the bottom of the pot to prevent stagnant moisture that can cause bulb rot.

The substrate must be well-drained

Planting Chionodoxa in pots

Planting Glory of the Snow in pots or containers should be done in early autumn, ideally in September or October. They can be planted until December, while the bulbs are still in dormancy, and before temperatures become too cold, for early flowering the following spring, from February to April depending on the variety.

1. Place a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom of your container for optimal drainage
2. Fill your container with substrate up to 2/3 of its height
3. Install your bulbs at a depth of 5 cm, spacing them about 10 cm apart, with the point facing upwards. The number of bulbs depends on the width of your container
4. Cover with substrate, press down lightly, and water
5. Place the pot in a sunny location.

Planting your Chionodoxa in autumn will allow you to enjoy flowers in the first beautiful days of spring

Caring for Chionodoxa in pots

Chionodoxas appear at the end of winter, flowering for two weeks. Then their foliage yellows, and they disappear, making way for other plants. They enter dormancy, remaining present as bulbs in the soil, and will reappear the following year, giving us a yearly rendezvous to celebrate the start of spring!

• Water Chionodoxa regularly during the flowering period, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings. Remember to empty the saucer of your pot to prevent bulb rot.
• Once the plant has finished flowering and is in dormancy, you can stop watering.
• Planted in enriched potting soil, potted Chionodoxa do not require fertiliser.
• After flowering, allow the foliage to turn yellow and only cut the clump when it is completely wilted. The bulbs will then have had time to store their reserves.
• In autumn, if you wish, you can replant your bulbs in the ground. You will need to add well-decomposed compost to your garden soil and work it well.
• Chionodoxas are hardy plants, tolerating temperatures between -20 and -25 °C. We recommend wintering your pot if you live in a cold region to prevent the substrate from freezing. Place it in a frost-free location in an unheated space.