Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop) In the Green

The method of lifting Snowdrops in the green whilst actively growing in spring has always been the most successful way to deliver these bulbs.

Galanthus Nivalis is the common snowdrop. This is the snowdrop that you will find creating carpets of flowers in woodlands and growing wild up and down the country. A small white hanging bell shaped flower with the delicate green markings. There are hundreds of variations of the snowdrop, some of which we know fetch for a lot of money. Most 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. Watch this happy bee go about his business in early February.

How to plant

When small, it is easy for snowdrop bulbs 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 snowdrop bulbs in. Again, as a wild plant they are naturally clump forming, so they look much more natural planted in groups than in rows. Over time Galanthus Nivalis naturally spread by seed or 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.

As a native plant, it is illegal to dig up snowdrop bulbs without the right permission. Our dry bulb Galanthus Nivalis 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.

Another important pollen provider at this time of year is Eranthis, these are small yellow flowers opening up in January to February. Try planting these along side the snowdrop bulbs.