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Galanthus nivalis

Galanthus nivalis

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SnowdropBulbFamily: Amaryllidaceae

Height: 15cmSpread: 8cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

White

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, partial shade

Aspect:

East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Front

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

For many gardeners the snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, heralds the end of winter. It's extraordinarily hardy, and comes back every year, reliably flowering very early whatever the weather. With snowdrops, the colder and gloomier it is, the longer the blooms last, but in a sunny warm winter they are comparatively fleeting.

Galanthus are perennial bulbs native to Europe and the Middle East, although not Britain. However they grow well in the UK and many have naturalised and can be found growing in woodlands and other places outside gardens. There are around 20 species of galanthus worldwide, of which Galanthus nivalis is the most commonly grown in the UK. Bear in mind that galanthus bulbs and plants are poisonous to humans and pets, and can cause vomiting if ingested.

Galanthus nivalis grows in most soils, but does particularly well in heavier, moist soils. They do best in light shade, similar to their native woodland habitat. Plant galanthus bulbs in the green (just after flowering, with leaves intact), as dry bulbs often take a season to settle down before flowering.

Explore other varieties of snowdrop:

Galanthus reginae-olgae - blooms in autumn, and tends to flower before developing leaves.
Galanthus 'Mrs W. M. George' - a particularly tall snowdrop, with a lovely fragrance.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

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Galanthus ‘Nivalis’ and wildlife

Galanthus ‘Nivalis’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is not known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Galanthus ‘Nivalis’ poisonous?

Galanthus ‘Nivalis’ causes an upset stomach.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract People

People

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock