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What are snowdrops
Snowdrop is the common name for about twenty species of bulbous plants of the genus Galanthus. Snowdrops are named for their white, teardrop-shaped flowers that often appear while snow is still on the ground. They are early spring-flowering bulbs. But don't be fooled by the snowdrops dainty appearance; these are hardy flower bulbs that can grow even when the garden is still covered with snow.
What different types of snowdrops are there?
Snowdrops (Galanthus) is a genus of about 20 species of bulbous plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. They are native to Europe and the Middle East. Galanthus nivalis, Galanthus elwesii, and Galanthus plicatus are the most common varieties. Additionally, there are hundreds of hybrids available, including unique double-flowered types. The species differ in flowering time, size, shape and green markings on the flowers. But generally, they have white, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. The most common species is Galanthus nivalis, also known as "Common Snowdrop".
What do Snowdrop Flowers Symbolise?
Snowdrop flowers represent purity and innocence. Snowdrops are also associated with rebirth and renewal, symbolising fertility and new life because they flower early in the spring. They are one of the first plants to emerge after winter. This is why these flowers are often planted in cemeteries and graveyards as a symbol of the cycle of life. In Victorian times in England, the common thought was that the Snowdrop represented death and was considered a harbinger of bad luck, which is not surprising as the plant is deemed poisonous. The bulbs are especially toxic, and eating them can cause dizziness, nausea and diarrhoea.
When to plant snowdrops
Plant snowdrop bulbs, as with many other spring bloomers, in the autumn, for an early bloom in the spring. Snowdrops need a season to develop properly, so don't be disappointed if the bloom is a bit disappointing in the first year. Snowdrop bulbs naturalise well, so you will have more snowdrops the following year. It is a good idea to plant many snowdrop bulbs for a beautiful spring garden for the best results.
When do snowdrops flower?
Most Snowdrops flower from February to March. Some varieties flower until April, and others bloom as early as December and January. Snowdrops that are planted early generally flower as early as February. You can plant snowdrops in the autumn and during the winter months, from September through December, as long as there is no frost in the ground. You can also divide and replant the bulbs in March when they have finished flowering. Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis is one of the best-known earliest flowering varieties; these flower bulbs should be planted before November for guaranteed flowering in February.
Where do you plant snowdrops
Snowdrops are small flower bulbs that come into their own when they have the opportunity to naturalise. For example, you can enjoy a sea of flowers on the lawn, along paths, and along the edge of flower borders. They are also ideally suited to a woodland garden. Under trees and in shady places, the white flowers stand out even more by lighting up dark spots. Snowdrops need the sun to develop well, so a location at the foot of deciduous trees or shrubs is ideal.
How long do the snowdrops bloom
Snowdrops bloom for weeks. They are hardy, winter-flowering plants that you enjoy a lot. Snowdrops can be nicely combined with other flower bulbs to extend the flowering time. Snowdrop combines nicely with, for example, Helleborus, cyclamen, winter aconite, dwarf tulips, Scilla, Chinodoxa and crocuses.
Can you transplant snowdrops
You can transplant snowdrops after flowering from March. The bulbs are easy to tear and transplant. Because the plants in the garden are still germinating, March is also an ideal month to see where bare spots need to be filled. A perfect place to plant snowdrop bulbs! Snowdrops should be left alone so that they can naturalise. Therefore, choose an overcrowded clump and scoop it out with a shovel – taking care not to damage the bulbs – then it is a matter of carefully separating the bulbs from each other and planting. Snowdrops prefer lime and humus-rich, water-permeable soil in partial shade, although they thrive well in full sun. Make sure that the soil does not dry out too much in the summer.
What do you do with spent snowdrops
What to do with spent snowdrops is a frequently asked question. Snowdrops prefer to be left alone because they come into their own when they can naturalise in the garden. If you still want to harvest and transplant the bulbs, it is important to leave spent snowdrops in the ground to give them time to let the foliage die. This benefits the flower bulbs development. Only when the foliage has died should the bulbs be lifted and transplanted.