Snowdrops are also sometimes called ‘The Fair Maids of February’, although in truth some varieties may have been found blossoming as early as December.  They are the harbinger of spring and have long been a garden favourite.

There are a number of forms and varieties, including doubles.  The common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, has flowers about 25mm (1inch) long held on stems of about 1cm (6 inches).   Galanthus elwesii will produce stems of about 25cm (10 inches) in height and has nearly globular flowers. Planting mixed groups of snowdrops can give a pleasing undulation to the carpet of flower.

When lifting and planting, or buying snowdrops, they should be planted ‘in the green’.  That is to say that they should be in leaf.  The bulbs will tend to dry out quite quickly when lifted and so they need to be planted as soon as possible after lifting.  The ideal time for planting is September to mid October.  Choose a planting site with moist soils and in dapple shade.  If you are planting in a scent trap why not try Galanthus ’S Arnott’ which produces large, scented flowers.

Question and Answer Sessions

These have been recorded over the last few seasons and feature Gardeners Stuart Phillips, Roger Clarke, John Bosworth, Nickolas Warliker, Becky Sam Bosworth, and Dave Watkins.