What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #5: Snowdrops
Looking for #coldhardy or #winterhardy plants to grow in winter? Look no further than Snowdrops - easy to grow bulbs that will re-bloom year after year. This perennial is not only a reliable "friend" in the winter it's equally gorgeous to look at.
Snowdrops - Symbols of Hope
Snowdrops are among the first flowers to emerge in the year, so they symbolize hope- hope that spring will soon come! The long, cold winter days can be so harsh. We certainly do need some hope. And just when you think spring will never come... up come the snowdrops.
And rest assured, the snowdrop is snow and frost resistant. The snow and frost may kill most plants but not the snowdrop!
Snowdrops Go By Many Names:
How Snowdrops got the name 'Death's Flower'
Are you the superstitious type? Well, you may want to think twice about bringing one only snowdrop or the very first one to bloom inside your house. This is seen as unlucky or an omen of death looming on the horizon. This is not the only snowdrop legend, however. There are plenty more where this one came from.
Varieties of Snowdrops
For some crazy reason snowdrops only come in one color, white. While you will see hints of color on some they are still white for the most part. But who knows, maybe one day someone will breed a snowdrop to be another color. If you are interested in growing snowdrops that aren't solid white, here are a few:
Galanthus elwesii 'Giant Snowdrop':
Galanthus nivalis ‘Blonde Inge’:
Galanthus flavescens:
Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno':
Galanthus nivalis 'Lady Elphinstone':
Tips for Growing Snowdrops
Plant snowdrop bulbs in the fall in part shade.
Keep watering the bulbs about once a week until you have a freeze.
Snowdrops are hardy in USDA zones 3-8, varying according to species.
Before planting, do check your USDA grow zone. If you live in a warmer climate, snowdrops may not do well there. They simply love the cold that much.
Plant them directly in beds or in pots. However, keep in mind that pots get colder than the ground. Therefore, if you live in zones 5 or 6, consider protecting the pots. Check out this resource.
Like other bulbs, snowdrops like well-drained soil. Don't overlook this, either! Soggy, poorly-drained soil will often result in bulb rot.
Expect blooms in late winter to early spring.
Amazingly, there are 20 wild species and over 2,000 cultivated varieties of snowdrops.
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Snowdrops in St Thomas' churchyard, Sourton, England
In case you've missed my previous posts in this series, What to Grow In Winter, here they are:
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #1: Violas
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #2: Camellias
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #3: Crocuses
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #4: Winter Hardy Roses
Happy Winter Gardening!
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Small spring messengers. I look forward to seeing it in my garden as well. Their smell makes the blood run faster, because everything is awesome and inviting, spring is in the air.
Some do have a scent, actually ;)
Amazing plant, how I wish we have a lot of winter period here in Nigeria, I love the weather.
I can relate to that. We don't have a long winter most of the time where I live in the Southern U.S.
I wish I had more hot weather where I am!
This is a great idea! I'll be watching for more of your "What to grow in winter" series.
There's lots more to come. I have planned this series for the next two weeks
Great post! Thanks for the info about this awesome flower. I can't wait to have a home where I can garden again!
Hi @arinfinite, I can certainly relate. I relocated to a new state and a new climate so I'm starting over from scratch. But pot gardening or a few indoor plants, they can be a substitute if you don't have the space. I couldn't live without my houseplants 😔
I brought my houseplants all the way across the country so I wouldn't have to leave them behind. My best buds have lived with me in 3 different states! Best of luck with your new garden!
I did the same... there was no way I was leaving my plants behind. So, last summer when I moved, I carried them all 8 hours in a U-haul. Only one didn't make it, and that was my african violet. It was hot in there so a few were a bit droopy when I took them out.
Interesting. Are they related to the daffodil? I am in zone (7)? I think. NC. I would imagine these would bloom pretty early here. They are attractive.
HI @coldsteem, Have u ever used this zone map before http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
It's so helpful :)
NC covers 5b to 8b but by honing in on your specific area, you'll see which one you're in.
It looks like I am 7. I will find a potato planting guide. I have heard different things from different people in my area. Hard to know when you get conflicting info. Thanks
These flowers I am definitely hunting for at the nursery this year. Been in love with these ever since I discovered what they look like in nature.
I've always wondered what to grow in winter! Very pretty