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Galanthus nivalis

common snowdrop bulbs

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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.

Galanthus nivalis look particularly good planted in large drifts in grass where they will naturalise quite happily. Alternatively plant these snowdrops up in clumps in the front of mixed borders, or into pots so they can be admired close up.

How to care for Galanthus nivalis:

These hardy spring bulbs prefer partial shade and moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil. When planting dormant bulbs in autumn, plant them 10cm (4in) deep and apart in September and October.

For 'in the green' plants, maintain the same depth they were growing at previously, in ground prepared with plenty of organic matter such as bagged or home-made well rotted compost.

After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this replenishes the bulb's energy for next year's display. Where bulbs are planted in grass do not cut the grass until after the leaves have died right back. An annual feed with a good general-purpose fertiliser (like Vitax Q4) in autumn will help keep the bulbs growing vigorously.

For pots and containers, plant snowdrops more densely for an abundant show. Ensure good drainage and consider moving pots to a sheltered spot during summer dormancy.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.1m
Eventual spread:
0.1m
Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soil, or general-purpose loam-based potting compost

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationHumans/Pets: Harmful if eaten

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RH30003467
15 + 10 FREE bare roots | in the green
£14.99
In stock
(shipped within 1-2 working days)
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RH30000965
9cm pot | 4 per pot
£7.99
available to order from spring
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RH30005528
2 + 1 FREE 9cm pots
was £23.97 now £15.98
available to order from spring
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BU30000431
15 × bulbs
£9.99
available to order from summer
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BU30000948
250 × bulbs
£89.99
available to order from summer
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BU30000528
30 + 15 FREE bulbs
£27.00
available to order from summer
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard delivery Standard Delivery£5.95
Nominated delivery Named Day Delivery£10.95

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