I love to see snowdrops blooming when there are still dots of snow on the ground. They’re usually one of the first flowers of the new year in my garden, often blooming as early as February.

What Are Snowdrops?

Common name: Snowdrop.

Botanical name: Galanthus sp.

Family: Amaryllidaceae.

Plant type: Perennial bulb.

Mature size: Six to 10 inches tall.

Bloom time: February and March. In warmer climates, they may bloom earlier.

Colors: White, occasionally tipped in green or yellow.

Best in: USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.

Toxicity: Toxic to humans, dogs and cats. Deer don’t eat them. Wear gloves when handling bulbs or plants to avoid possible skin irritation.

Varieties of Snowdrops

Two types are commonly planted in North American gardens.

Common snowdrops

The Common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, does well Zones 3 through 7 and grows six to eight inches tall.

• ‘Viride-Apic’ features a green dot on the edge of each petal.
• ‘Flore Pleno’ has double white flowers.

Giant snowdrops

The Giant snowdrop, Galanthus elwesii, thrives in Zones 3 through 8 and grows eight to 10 inches tall.

• ‘Mount Everest’ grows quickly and is good for naturalizing (letting it spread to form a nice patch of flowers).
• ‘Polar Bear,’ with outward-facing flowers, grows four to eight inches tall.

How to Plant Snowdrops

Snowdrops are as easy to plant as any other bulb — maybe easier because the bulbs are small.

When to plant snowdrops

In fall, plant as soon as you buy them. Snowdrops don’t like to be out of the ground for too long.

How deep to plant snowdrops

Plant about four inches deep. Space them about two to four inches apart and plant several together. They’re small flowers; a single one would get lost.

Can snowdrops be planted in pots?

Yes. I’ve had good success waiting until the foliage appears, then carefully digging up a few snowdrops and potting them up to bring inside to flower. This only works if the ground isn’t frozen. If the ground has frozen, enjoy your snowdrops when they bloom in the ground.

How to Care for Snowdrops

Light

Snowdrops prefer full sun. A spot under deciduous trees works well because the snowdrops will get sun during winter and early spring.

Soil

Choose loose, well-draining soil, enriched with organic matter.

Water

Snowdrops generally don’t need to be watered. Between snow melt and rain, they’ll get enough moisture for their needs.

Fertilizing

In most gardens, you don’t need to provide any special fertilizer. Adding compost when planting is often enough.

Pruning

Snowdrops don’t need to be pruned. Let the foliage die back naturally in spring. Of course, you can cut off a few snowdrop blooms to enjoy indoors.

Pests and diseases of snowdrops

Snowdrops are rarely bothered by pests and diseases in most gardens.

How To Get Snowdrops to Bloom

You don’t need to do anything to get snowdrops to bloom! However, if you notice fewer blooms than normal, it may be because the bulbs multiplied and are crowding each other out.

How To Divide Snowdrops

Snowdrops are easy to divide in spring while the foliage is still growing, after they’ve finished flowering.

Carefully dig up a section of snowdrops, divide it into individual bulbs, then replant each bulb. You may have enough to share with a friend.

Snowdrops FAQs

Are snowdrops invasive?

Snowdrops can naturalize in an area where the growing conditions are ideal, but aren’t generally considered invasive. The National Invasive Species Information Center is a great resource.

What do snowdrop flowers represent?

In her book Flowers and Their Meanings: The Secret Language and History of Over 600 Blooms, author Karen Azoulay says snowdrops traditionally represent hope. Their emergence is one of the first signs of spring.

Do snowdrops smell?

No.

Can you grow snowdrops from seeds?

Yes, but it’s tricky and probably best left to those trying to breed new varieties. It can take up to four years for a snowdrop grown from seed to bloom.

What are lovers of snowdrops called?

In many parts of the world, especially Great Britain, gardeners who go crazy for snowdrops are called galanthophiles. They collect as many varieties as they can and plan special trips in February to visit gardens known for their snowdrop displays.