Galanthus nivalis

Galanthus nivalis is a bulbous plant that needs no introduction. Plant it before December, when it is dormant, and it will delight you with its pretty white bells from the end of January. It will quickly multiply, forming beautiful clumps of dark green ribbon-like leaves that disappear with the first warm weather. It can also be forced in a pot for Christmas flowering. Plant it near the house to admire it up close. 

Galanthus nivalis is a perennial herbaceous bulbous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family, native to central and southern Europe. Its beautiful blooms herald the arrival of spring. In winter, it forms a lovely clump measuring 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in height, composed of fairly dark green ribbon-like leaves. From February to March, depending on the climate, it produces one to two stems per bulb, each carrying a 3cm (1in) wide flower, borne outward from the clump and inclined toward the ground. The flowers are formed by 3 long white sepals, crowning a small central white corolla whose exterior has a green V-shaped spot at the end of the petals while the interior is marked with green on almost its entire surface. The flowers are slightly fragrant and nectar-rich. The foliage turns yellow and then disappears in late spring. Snowdrops produce seeds, as well as numerous bulbils that allow them to spread over time. The dispersion of seeds is mainly carried out by ants.

Galanthus nivalis is one of the first flowers to appear in late winter, just before or at the same time as Crocus chrysanthus, Christmas roses and squills. It will thrive in a moist rockery, alongside creeping bugle, botanical narcissus, Iris reticulata, and an easy-to-grow fern called Blechnum penna-marina. These plants will occupy the space left by the snowdrops once their foliage has dried up, without suffocating the bulbs. It is ideal for light woodland, preceding the flowering of hellebores and corydalis. In cool climates, it tolerates sunny exposures at the edge of a border. It also grows very well in pots.