Galanthus nivalis Flora Pleno (Double Snowdrop) In the Green

The beautiful Galanthus Flore Pleno is the double flowering form of snowdrop bulb. Umbrella shaped; little white flowers; full of intricate green patterns on the underside. Spring is the ideal time to plant smaller bulbs such as snowdrops. ‘In the green’ allows us to see which bulbs have grown successfully when we lift them. They transplant very easily; even after flowering.

Galanthus Nivalis Double is the beautiful double form of the common snowdrop. They make stunning carpets of flowers in woodlands with their broad pure white flowers. A small white hanging umbrella shaped flower, packed with the delicate green markings underneath. These snowdrops are only 15-20cm high with thin green foliage that can often look silver. They have a distinctive point at the top of the stem to help the flower puncture its way through the frozen ground ready for flowering any time from January to March. It’s hanging head has evolved to protect the pollen inside it’s cup and keep it dry. It’s an essential food source for early emerging pollinators.

How to plant

As a small bulb it is easy for snowdrops to dry out in baking summer conditions. Although they are happy in the spring sunshine try planting them somewhere shaded. Consider that their natural habitat is in deciduous woodland. Humus rich soil and canopy to shelter them from the heat is ideal. However, they will grow in all soil types.

Rather than planting individually it is often easier to make a small envelope 8cm deep and evenly place the bulbs in. Again, as a wild plant they are naturally clump forming. They look much more natural planted in groups than in rows. Over time Galanthus Nivalis Double naturally spread by bulb division and they find their happiest position.

Planting ‘in the green’ will begin in February. It is often more reliable to plant actively growing small bulbs. It reduces the risk of them either drying out or getting too wet. When they have foliage we know that it is a successful plant. Although planting in the green often means you won’t get flowers until the following year, it is a second chance to get your hands on a limited supply of one of the UK’s favourite flowers. Here is a video explaining why plant ‘in the green’.

As a native plant it is illegal to dig it up without the right permission. Our dry bulb Galanthus Flore Pleno are imported and require special import documents. Importing them is the easiest way to sell snowdrops without depleting the wild UK stocks. Most of our ‘in the green’ stocks are UK sourced but we use significantly less.