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Key characteristics

Family: Amaryllidaceae
Height: 3-6 inches
Width: 2-3 inches
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Gray-green
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low maintenance; remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation
Growing zone: 3-7
Wildlife: Attracts early pollinators such as bees and flies

Bulbs

Galanthus nivalis

Snowdrop

Galanthus nivalis, commonly known as Snowdrop, is a perennial bulbous plant native to Europe and the Middle East. The plant features slender, gray-green leaves that arise from the base of the plant and can grow up to 4-8 inches long.

Snowdrops are known for their white, bell-shaped flowers that hang downwards, each flower featuring six petal-like tepals (three outer and three inner). These delicate flowers often appear in late winter to early spring, blooming even when snow is still on the ground, hence the name "snowdrop.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moist, well-drained soil

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Under Trees
Rock Gardens

Companion plants

Bleeding hearts · Solomon's seal · Ferns · Lungworts · Wild ginger · Hellebores

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.