Galanthus

( gal - ANTH - us )

At-A-Glance Information

Galanthus, also called Snowdrop, Candlemas Bells, Fair Maids of February, or White Ladies, is a genus of perennial flowering plants that grow from bulb. These flowers need full sun during their blooming period in early spring and light shade during the rest of the year. They require regular water and are native to Europe and Asia. These ephemerals perform well in cold-winter climates, popping through inches of snow to produce delicate flowers. They are great under deciduous shrubs or trees, in woodland areas, or in containers. Take care when planting Galanthus in your garden, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Galanthus Species and Varietals

The genus Galanthus is a member of the plant family Amaryllidaceae and includes about 20 species. Galanthus is a close relative of Leucojum (Snowflake), and is similar in looks. The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek words γάλα, (gála) meaning "milk", and ἄνθος (ánthos) meaning "flower". They grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-9 and 14-17, though this varies somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Galanthus elwesii (Giant Snowdrop, Elwe's Snowdrop, Greater Snowdrop)
Flower stems reach up to 6-9 inches tall and are topped with flowers that have two green marks inside each segment. It is more well-adapted to warmer winters than other species. These plants are native to the Middle East, and bloom in January and February. Elwe's Snowdrop grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Galanthus ikariae (Snowdrop, Ikarian Snowdrop)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-7 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24, reaching 4-6 inches tall at maturity when in bloom. Leaves are glossy and green, and there is a large green spot on the inner flower petals. This species is native to the Aegean Islands (Greece).

Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop)
Common Snowdrop is native to a wide region spanning from the Pyrenees through southern and central Europe to Ukraine and western Asia. Flowering stems reach 4-6 inches tall and hold flowers that are marked at tips with a green crescent. Variety 'Flore Pleno' has double blooms. Flowers typically emerge between January and April. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Galanthus plicatus (Crimean Snowdrop, Pleated Snowdrop)
This species reaches about a foot tall when in bloom, and flowers between January and March each year. Flowers are white, and plants produce broad leaves that are folded back at the edges. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and is native to eastern Europe and western Asia.

Galanthus reginae-olgae (Queen Olga's Snowdrop, Autumn Snowdrop)
Native to Greece and Sicily, this unique species of Snowdrop flowers in fall before its leaves emerge. Foliage is green and has a white stripe on the upper surface. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Caring for Galanthus

Take care when planting Galanthus in your garden, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Galanthus bulbs are typically installed in fall (in frost-free areas), planted with their pointed end upwards. They can be planted in a hole that is about 3-4 inches deep, and then covered with soil. Space bulbs between 2 and 4 inches apart for best coverage and airflow. They will overwinter under the soil surface, and bloom in springtime. These plants prefer to be situated in soil that is well-draining, moderately fertile, and that has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Mulch over the planting area to increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain consistent soil temperatures.

Water newly planted bulbs regularly to help them develop strong root systems. At maturity, these flowers can tolerate some light drought during their summer dormancy, but prefer consistent moisture overall, especially during their active growing and blooming seasons in late winter and early springtime. As a general rule of thumb, irrigate whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch, and withhold most waterings in summertime. Foliage will die back before summer heat sets in, and once it has completely died, it can be removed from the plant. Flowers can be deadheaded to discourage re-seeding unless you will be harvesting seeds for propagation. If grown in a cramped space or container, Snowdrops will need to be divided every four to five years. For information on how to divide Snowdrops, see the Propagation section below.

Caring for Galanthus in Containers
Galanthus plants are typically cultivated in the ground, but can also do well in containers. Choose a container that is at least 6 inches deep (to accommodate root growth), and ensure that it has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow excess water to flow away from the root zone. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite. Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart for best airflow. Water regularly to keep the soil moist; Galanthus planted in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season and to deadhead spent flower stems. Divide plants every few years when they outgrow their container; for instructions on how to successfully divide Aquilegia plants, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

Galanthus can be propagated either from seed or through division. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Galanthus by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid variety. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds by cutting them from the plant as they dry and become browned. Harvest as many as you can, and place them in a paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will split open over time and release the seeds contained inside. Once seeds have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container to work with them. Aquilegia seeds are viable for up to three years if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry space.
Water the seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place seeds in the prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with a spray bottle to avoid dislodging them. Place the tray in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 21-30 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Galanthus by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost, and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.