Genus Galanthus (Snowdrop)

Galanthus nivalis Photo/Illustration: Steve Silk

gah-LAN-thuss Common Name: Snowdrop

The genus Galanthus is comprised of dozens of species and cultivars of perennial bulbs that herald the arrival of spring. Most are small and unassuming, but make an impact in the garden because they bloom before almost everything else in the garden in late winter to ealy spring, sometimes through snow, hence the common name. The flowers are generally nodding and white with green accents. Plants grow from 4 to 9 inches tall with strappy green leaves that disappear a few weeks after flowering. Differences between the various species and cultivars are subtle, but again, notable, since there is little to compare them with at bloom time.
Care: Provide full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Propagation:

 Lift and devide right after flowering. Replant and allow leaves to die back naturally.

Problems:

 No serious problems.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Galanthus

Galanthus elwesii
(giant snowdrop) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

The giant snowdrop has larger flowers and broader leaves than the more common G. nivalis, but grows to the same 4 inches tall and wide. Its white, nodding blooms appear in late winter, signalling spring around the corner.

Galanthus nivalis
(common snowdrop) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Snowdrops are some of the earliest bulbs, and flowers in general, to bloom in spring. Galanthus nivalis is the most common species, and its cultivars are the most commonly grown snowdrops on the market. They are reliably hardy and perennial. They grow to 4 inches tall and wide and flower in mid- to late winter, long before most other plants. They are the first sign of spring around the corner. Flowers are nodding and white.

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