Snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis: planting and care

Where to plant Galanthus nivalis

The Snowdrop grows almost everywhere, except perhaps in Mediterranean climates as it dislikes soils parched by long summers.

Very hardy, this beautiful bulb isn’t bothered by snow and can withstand temperatures below -15°C.

Undemanding when it comes to soil type, Snowdrops multiply quickly in summer-fresh ground, fairly humus-bearing and well-drained in winter: their bulbs dislike waterlogged soils, which cause premature rotting.

Their clumps remain in place for several years provided you wait until the leaves have completely withered before cutting back the foliage. Even if they leave a slightly untidy appearance in borders after flowering, this precaution allows the bulbs time to replenish their reserves.

They thrive in full sun in cooler climates as well as in partial shade, in light woodland, under the canopy of deciduous trees, along pathways or borders, in cool rockeries or containers.

Their tendency to naturalise makes Snowdrops ideal for scattering across short grass meadows to create flowering carpets in winter.

Easy to pair, they’ll form fresh spring displays with other low-maintenance early bulbs that, like them, extend the flowering season: crocuses, muscari, Anemone blanda, hyacinths, daffodils… They’ll precede the flowering of certain perennials such as Bleeding Hearts, Heucheras, Winter Heath, Lesser Periwinkle or pansies.

Mixed with Crocus tommasinianus ‘Ruby Giant’ and Eranthis cilicica (Winter Aconite), Snowdrops create beautiful spring carpets

When to plant Snowdrops

Snowdrop bulbs should be planted early in autumn, ideally from September to mid-October for flowering at the end of winter.

Planted early, during the first fortnight of September, they will flower sooner, often as early as January.

They can be planted later, until around the end of December, but their flowering will then be delayed, towards late February or March.

How to plant the young plant

Inexpensive, Snowdrop bulbs should be planted in large numbers and close together for a beautiful effect, in well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot. They are versatile and offer various planting options. The bulbs must not be consumed: they are toxic if ingested.

In small groups for a natural planting

Snowdrop bulbs can be tucked in anywhere, without smothering existing plants. To create a natural-style flowerbed or in an already planted bed, position Galanthus bulbs in small groups between existing plant clumps.

Using a bulb planter, plant at a maximum depth of 8 cm, in groups of 20 to 40, spacing the groups about 10 to 15 cm apart. Opt for irregular planting for a natural decorative effect.

In a short grass meadow

Cut out sections of turf, then using a bulb planter, plant at a maximum depth of 8 cm. Replace the turf sections after planting the bulbs.

As a flowering tapetum: spectacular effect!

They naturalise very easily and are perfect for creating flowering corners around the house, in flowerbeds, at woodland edges or at the foot of trees. For a harmonious effect, we advise against creating overly geometric shapes; draw an irregular pattern, oval with rounded contours.

For successful mass planting, allow at least 100 bulbs per m². Dig out part of the chosen flowerbed area to a depth of 10 cm, then place the bulbs spacing them about 5 cm apart. Backfill “en masse”.

Snowdrop bulbs are inexpensive, don’t skimp on quantity to achieve a beautiful mass decorative effect

The Right Planting Techniques for Snowdrops

In the ground

• Remove weeds and stones from the soil
• Loosen the soil deeply
• Improve drainage: for clay-heavy soil? Add gravel mixed into the soil or placed as a layer beneath the bulbs
• Plant at 8cm depth, with the bulb’s pointed end facing upwards
• Space bulbs 5 to 8cm apart or plant in small clusters within the same hole (dibbling), ensuring they don’t touch each other
• Cover bulbs with 5cm of soil and lightly firm down
• Water moderately
• Every 3-4 years, to expand coverage and encourage vigorous flowering, divide clumps and replant bulblets immediately

The secret to maintaining beautiful Galanthus lies in well-drained soil

In containers

You can easily force Snowdrop bulbs in cold conditions from autumn, to enjoy their flowering and fragrance indoors at Christmas. Don’t hesitate to combine them with other early bulbs like muscari, narcissi or hyacinths.

• In a preferably terracotta pot, place a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom for perfect drainage
• Fill with a mix of garden soil, compost and pumice
• Plant densely (at least 10 bulbs per pot) without bulbs touching each other and cover with twice their height in soil
• Vary heights by placing Snowdrop bulbs in the very front with muscari, crocuses, miniature cyclamen, pansies, and in the back (deeper) botanical tulips, hyacinths, iris reticulata which will continue the flowering sequence
• Water in autumn if the soil tends to dry out.

Care for this flowering bulb

Avoid cutting back the leaf after flowering until it has dried out: it allows the bulb to replenish its reserves for the following year.

The Snowdrop is a disease-resistant bulb. When grown under the right planting conditions, it is hardly troubled by anything.

The narcissus fly is its main enemy: this pest burrows tunnels into the bulb. The bulb stops flowering, and the leaves become stunted. There’s only one solution: removing affected bulbs is obligatory in case of an attack!

The other threat is grey mould, caused by excess water. A well-drained soil with gravel at planting time will keep the bulbs healthy and prevent contamination by this fungal disease.

Snowdrops are reliable and resilient bulbous plants