Chionodoxa forbesii Pink Giant

Chionodoxa forbesii Pink Giant is slightly larger than other Glory of the Snow varieties. Like them, it blooms early in spring, but stands out with its star-shaped flowers in a delicate lilac pink with a white centre and darker foliage. It naturalises easily under trees, at the base of bushes, or even in planters, forming abundant colonies over time. It should be grown in full sun or partial shade, in light, moist soil.

Endemic to the mountains of southwestern Turkey, at altitudes above 2500m (8202ft), this small perennial bulb is a close relative of hyacinths. Chionodoxa forbesii Pink Giant, sometimes called Chionodoxa luciliae hort., is a slightly larger and less common form of this plant, which usually blooms in azure blue. It forms small clumps of 20 cm (8in) in height when in bloom, spreading indefinitely thanks to the production of numerous bulblets, eventually forming beautiful spreading carpets. In February-March-April, depending on the climate, its delicately colored little stars celebrate the departure of the last snow for two weeks. From a bulb, several purplish stems may emerge, bearing 3 to 6 small flowers. Its foliage is ribbon-like, ensate, dark green, sometimes tinged with purple at the tips, and deciduous from May-June.

The Chionodoxa was once a very popular plant, but has been somewhat neglected in recent years. However, it is a flawless plant, easy to grow in cool or alpine climates, very hardy, and a welcome sight after winter. Its bright flowers spread out like flowering carpets alongside liverworts, hyacinths and botanical tulips. It can naturalise in sunny rockeries, as well as under deciduous trees and bushes in partial shade. It is best planted near the edges due to its low height, and it can even emerge through a carpet of helxine, creating a very successful combination. Chionodoxas are also very interesting for use in pots.

Pretty flower with a washed pink color. Chionodoxas are adorable early flowering bulbs that produce abundant flowers. Plant them in flowering carpets where you can mix them with hyacinths. They naturalise and multiply easily. Chionodoxas are also very interesting for use in pots.