Chionodoxa luciliae Alba

The pure white star-shaped flowers of Chionodoxa luciliae 'Alba' perfectly live up to the name Glory in the Snow. The flowers appear abundantly from early spring. This small bulbous plant easily naturalises under trees, at the base of bushes, or even in containers, eventually forming abundant colonies over time. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, in light and moist soil.

This small perennial bulbous plant originates from the mountains of southern Turkey, Crete, and Cyprus. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. 'Alba' is the less common white form of Chionodoxa luciliae, which usually blooms in azure blue. It forms small tufts measuring 15cm (6in) in height when flowering, spreading without theoretical limit thanks to the production of numerous bulbils, forming beautiful luminous carpets. In February-March-April, depending on the climate, it displays small white stars with yellow stamens. They bloom for two weeks, celebrating the departure of the last snow. Several stems emerge, each carrying 3 to 6 small flowers. Its deciduous foliage is ribbon-like and sword-shaped. The leaves are medium green, tinged with purple at its tip.

Chionodoxa was once a very popular plant, but has been a little neglected in recent years. It is a flawless plant, easy to grow in a cool or mountainous climate. It is very hardy and welcome after winter. Its bright flowers spread out in flowering carpets in the company of hyacinths, squills, and botanical tulips. It will naturalise in sunny rockeries, and under deciduous trees and bushes, in partial shade. It should be planted close to borders, due to its low height. It will look wonderful when planted in a carpet of helxine. Chionodoxas also work well in pots.