Northwest Blooms · Bulbs
Galanthus nivalis 'Sam Arnott'
Sam Arnott Snowdrop
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Height
- Up to 6 inches
- Width
- Up to 4 inches
- Flower color
- White with green markings
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flowers and allow foliage to die back naturally
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees
About this plant
Galanthus nivalis 'Sam Arnott' is a beautiful variety of snowdrop known for its pure white flowers that bloom in early spring, often emerging while snow is still on the ground. Native to Europe, this cultivar is known for it larger-than-usual blossoms and excellent hardiness, making it a reliable choice for gardens in colder climates. The blooms typically appear in late winter to early spring, brightening up the garden after a long winter.
'Sam Arnott' has large white graceful flowers, each with a pronounced, teardrop-shaped inner petal, often with a subtle green mark at the tip. This cultivar is often favored by snowdrop enthusiasts due to its robustness and its ability to naturalize in gardens over time. The plant is also known for producing multiple flowers on each stem, giving it a fuller and more abundant appearance when in bloom.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Under Trees · Rock Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns
Design tip
Flowers in the quietest months make this worth a sheltered spot within sight of a window or door. Drift them in uneven groups for a natural look, and interplant with perennials that fill the gap after the leaves die back.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
