What: This delightful harbinger of spring, known as a snowdrop, has brilliant, pure white flowers with a large green mark on the inner petals. It is a February bloomer with a charmingly low growth habit and arching, grass-green leaves that frame the flowers perfectly.
Why plant it: Native to the Aegean Islands off the coast of Greece, this bulb adapts easily to average garden conditions.
Where:Grow snowdrops where they will receive at least a half-day of sun during late winter and early spring, when the leaves are growing. They like rich soil with average moisture. Unlike many bulbs, they need summer watering and are not drought tolerant.
Plant snowdrops under deciduous trees and shrubs, mixed with crocus tommasinianus and cyclamen coum.
How: Plant snowdrops 4 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Plant the bulbs in drifts for the greatest effect. Large clumps should be divided immediately after flowering before the foliage dies back for the summer.
Actual size: This type of snowdrop, also known as galanthus ikariae, grows 4 to 6 inches tall.
Learn more: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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