 |
The Gardener's Almanac |  |
||||
| Index | FAQ's | Links | Photos | Guest book | ||
| Galanthus | Common name; Snowdrop |
The common Snowdrop seen here grows approx. 100mm-200mm high and should be planted out in clumps approx 100mm-150mm apart.
The flowering period can be affected by the weather but they generally flower from January onwards.
They will survive in most soils but prefer heavy loamy soils that hold plenty of moisture.
They do well in open woodland or in shrub beds provided they get good light.
Week 10> Give the plants a high potash feed this will assist in plumping up and ripening the bulbs.
Weeks 12 -18; Left untouched, snowdrops can increase rapidly and form large clumps.
These clumps can be lifted immediately after flowering with a fork and gently pulled apart into groups of around six to eight bulbs.
This method is known as 'planting in the green'
If left in the open, the bulbs can dry out rapidly so it is best to transplant before the leaves die back, plant them to the same depth as before.
Improve the soil by digging in leaf mould or garden compost add grit to poorly drained sites
They are best divided every few years after flowering otherwise the ground may get exhausted and congested with bulbs, in addition large old clumps tend to become shy to flower.
Week 35-45; Plant out new bulbs 100m (4") deep and 75mm (3") apart ideally in heavy soil with plenty of moisture and some shade.
Growing them in groups of three to five can look quite effective.
About this Site © The Gardener's Almanac 2005 Top of page
/02.JPG)