Snowdrop Bulbs

Snowdrops: How to grow them (and why!)

These small, droopy white flowers are a highly popular pick for British gardens, and for a good reason: they’re one of the earliest bulbs to bloom at the tail end of winter and a sure sign that spring is on the way; a welcome sight, no matter how simple they seem on the surface. Though their popularity means a lot about the snowdrops are common knowledge, it’s also surrounded by intriguing folklore. And if by chance you aren’t familiar with snowdrops yet… there’s no better time to introduce you to them and get them growing in your garden!

Fun Facts

Many flowers have myths or folk tales about why they may have came from and what they mean. I myself grew up with one such story- an adaptation of the Russian folk tale of the Snow Girl. In this tale, an old Russian couple build a child out of snow, only for it to magically come to life. The version I remember reading ends with the Snow Girl roaming freely in the forests, leaving a trail of snowdrops at her feet; this seems to be a bit of an obscure tale, however, so don’t take my word for it.

Another story suggesting the creation of snowdrops is based in Christianity: supposedly, the first snowdrops were grown by an angel who took pity on Adam and Eve as they struggled to survive the first winter outside the Garden of Eden. The flower was gifted to them as a sign of hope- a meaning that still applies to the flower today, since it’s a sign that brighter days are coming soon. In addition, snowdrops are associated not only with the Christian festival of Candlemas- decorating churches during the celebration- but also has ties to certain Pagan traditions and festivities, including St. Brigid’s day, from which we get our concept of ‘Spring Cleaning’!

How to Grow

To go along with their unusual blooming time, snowdrops also have a highly unusual planting time: they can be planted when 'in the green' during January-March or in the autumn as dry bulbs- September onwards. They require moist, but well-drained soil and partial shade- snowdrop bulbs are prone to drying out, so keep an eye on them and water them whenever necessary. Once they’re established, however, they’re just about ready to keep going for years!

Plant 10cm deep and space apart 5cm, otherwise they can be planted in clumps for a great visual display. As they flower so early, snowdrops do not rely on pollinators to reproduce. Instead, they spread via bulb division. Make sure to separate established clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.

Species & Styles

Really, how much variation can exist in one tiny, droopy white flower? A lot more than you’d realise! Numerous cultivars have been given awards by the RHS for their pleasing shape or a strong, honey-like scent: the ’S. Arnott’ in particular has both, with large (3cm long), bulbous petals which flare out beautifully in the winter. In a similar vein, the Galanthus ‘Magnet’ has unique, wide-blooming petals that are almost completely horizontal- in a group together, they almost look like a flowery flock of birds in flight!

As small, white flowers, snowdrops are a versatile flower for planting in beds and borders; the aforementioned ’S. Arnott’ is also noted as an excellent cut flower. But really, there’s no other way to plant snowdrops than in drifts together, perhaps with some daffodils to bloom later, as a cute floral countdown to see you into springtime!