Galanthus nivalis is also called common snowdrop. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 foot and a width of 0.25 to 0.5 foot.

 

It is a bulbous perennial; leaves 2-3, strap-shaped, basal; flowers solitary on a naked stem, 6-parted, white but inner segments with a terminal green mark. Snowdrop is a true harbinger of spring. It usually blooms in February. Each bulb produces 2-3 narrow (to 1/4” wide), linear, basal leaves (to 4” at flowering) and a leafless flower scrape (to 6” tall) which is topped with a single, nodding, white, waxy, bell-shaped flower (1” long).

 

The white flower has six petals, the outer three segments being larger and more convex than the inner series. The six anthers open by pores or short slits. The ovary is three-celled, ripening into a three-celled capsule.

 

Snowdrop is one of the earliest blooming bulbs. It prefers sunny to part shady, moderately dry, well-drained ordinary garden soil They grow best in full sun to light shade and cool, moist soil. Once established they should be left alone. Apply bone meal in the spring just after flowering. These fast spreading bulbs are planted 4 inches deep.

Snowdrops may be divided when the foliage matures.

 

Snowdrops are found from late winter to early spring. It is used as a houseplant or interior scrape, landscape in flower garden or lawn as cultivated herbaceous perennial bulb. This early blooming plant is suitable for naturalized areas or under deciduous trees, rock garden, and border fronts and in combination with other flowering bulbs. Also effective in groupings in rock gardens, border fronts, in front of flowering shrubs or along walks or paths.

 

Did you know?

·        It is a small genus of about 20 species.

·        The common name refers to the supposed resemblance of the flowers to drops of snow.