Grow Snowflakes in Your Garden

You may be thinking that I have lost my mind when I say that you can actually grow snowflakes in your garden; however, I am not talking about those white fluffy things that fall from the sky during the winter months. I am, instead, talking about an easy-to-grow perennial that belongs to the genus Leucojum.

There are actually three types of snowflakes. The first is commonly referred to as the spring snowflake (L. virnum). This one blooms in February or March, about two weeks later than the snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), which it closely resembles. The snowflake, however, is a bit taller than the snowdrop and also has slightly larger blooms. (The snowdrop has half-inch blooms, while the snowflake's are about three-quarters-inch in size.) Each of the bell-shaped blooms have six white petals with a green spot on each and have a sweet violet scent. They dangle from a foot-long stalk that shoots out of clumps of deep green foliage that grows to be about ten inches tall.

The second type of snowflake is the summer snowflake (L. aestivum); however, it actually blooms in April and May. This variety has 2-8 blooms per stem and grows to be 12-24 inches tall.

The final type of snowflake is called the fall snowflake (L. autumnale). This one usually blooms in September. It also has narrower foliage than the other two varieties and only grow to be 6 inches tall.

Planting and care
Snowflakes are hardy in Zones 3-8 and actually do much better in the southern part of the United States than the snowdrop. Bulbs should be planted in the early fall in humus-rich, well-drained soil. The fall snowflakes like a lighter soil, however, that is free-draining. They can grow in full sun to partial shade; although, the fall snowflake prefers a sunny location. Plant your bulbs 3-5 inches deep and space them 8-10 inches apart. Keep the soil around your spring and summer snowflakes moist throughout the growing season. All of the different varieties of snowflakes should be mulched.

Snowflakes should not be divided for the first three years after they are planted. Even after three years, you may find that frequent dividing is not necessary and that you can just leave your snowflakes alone. They require very little care, which is always a plus.

Uses
Snowflakes are great border plants. They are also good for inter-planting among later blooming perennials, where they will give your flowerbeds something in bloom while you are waiting on your other perennials. These are also great plants to allow to naturalize in meadow or woodland gardens.

Cultivars of interest
'Gravetye Giant': This summer snowflake is larger than other varieties -- 1-3 feet tall. Despite the fact that it classified as a summer snowflake, 'Gravetye Giant' will bloom as early as mid-January. The flowers have a slight chocolate scent and are also larger than those of other snowflakes. Plant this one is full sun.

'Podpolozje': This spring snowflake has two flowers per stem and yellow spots instead of green.

References:

Fine Gardening: Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' (Sumer snowflake).

Scarlett, Kay, pub. The Complete Garden Flower Book. London, England: Murdoch Books UK Ltd., 2001.