Crocus & snowdrop collection
bulb collection
This charming late winter bulb collection brings together two of the earliest flowering plants to brighten the garden after the colder months. Delicate crocus blooms in shades of silvery lilac to reddish purple emerge alongside the nodding, honey-scented white flowers of snowdrops, creating a welcome display when little else is in flower.
Perfect for naturalising beneath deciduous trees, along woodland edges, in lawns or at the front of borders, these hardy bulbs will gradually spread to form attractive drifts. Their early blooms also provide a valuable source of nectar for pollinating insects emerging at the start of the year, making this collection both beautiful and wildlife-friendly.
Perfect for naturalising beneath deciduous trees, along woodland edges, in lawns or at the front of borders, these hardy bulbs will gradually spread to form attractive drifts. Their early blooms also provide a valuable source of nectar for pollinating insects emerging at the start of the year, making this collection both beautiful and wildlife-friendly.
How to care for Crocus and snowdrop collection:
Plant bulbs as soon as possible after arrival into well-prepared, humus-rich, free-draining soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. This collection is ideal for naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, in woodland-style planting, lawns, rockeries, or at the front of mixed borders where the delicate late winter flowers can be appreciated. It can also be grown in pots using a free-draining compost mix, provided containers do not become waterlogged. Water well after planting and during prolonged dry spells, particularly in the first growing season and for bulbs planted in lighter soils or containers.
As a general guide, plant crocus corms around 5-8cm (2-3in) deep and Galanthus bulbs around 8-10cm (3-4in) deep, spacing them generously to allow the plants to spread and form natural-looking clumps over time. Plant crocuses in groups or drifts for the best effect, particularly through grass or beneath shrubs, while snowdrops are most effective when planted in informal clusters where they can gradually increase.
Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so energy can return to the bulbs and corms for the following year. Both plants are excellent naturalisers, with crocuses spreading readily by seed and snowdrops slowly forming larger drifts once established. Avoid cutting back foliage too early, as this can weaken future flowering, and apply a light mulch of well-rotted leafmould or compost in spring to help replicate their natural woodland growing conditions.
As a general guide, plant crocus corms around 5-8cm (2-3in) deep and Galanthus bulbs around 8-10cm (3-4in) deep, spacing them generously to allow the plants to spread and form natural-looking clumps over time. Plant crocuses in groups or drifts for the best effect, particularly through grass or beneath shrubs, while snowdrops are most effective when planted in informal clusters where they can gradually increase.
Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so energy can return to the bulbs and corms for the following year. Both plants are excellent naturalisers, with crocuses spreading readily by seed and snowdrops slowly forming larger drifts once established. Avoid cutting back foliage too early, as this can weaken future flowering, and apply a light mulch of well-rotted leafmould or compost in spring to help replicate their natural woodland growing conditions.
What's included:
In each of these collections you will receive the following bulbs:
- 25 × Crocus tommasinianus: The flowers on this small crocus can vary from pale slivery lilac to reddish purple, but whatever the colour, it is always a welcome sight in late winter. This is one of the easiest crocuses to naturalise as it will self-seed readily. A good companion for dwarf grasses - or lawns that have had a trim late in the autumn - so the flowers can be better seen. It is more tolerant of shade than many of its counterparts, so is a good choice for woodland areas. It will also be a magnet for whatever insects may be active so early in the year. Grows to 10cm tall.
- 15 × Galanthus nivalis: It's hard not to love these wonderful bulbs for adding colour to the garden when little else is awake. The nodding white flowers have a small green marking on the inside of each tepal, are honey scented, and appear in late winter. They look particularly good planted in large drifts in grass where they will naturalise quite happily. Alternatively plant them up in clumps in the front of mixed borders, or into pots so they can be admired close up. Plant the bulbs as soon as possible after delivery to prevent the bulbs drying out. Grows to 10cm tall.
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
