Blog: The best way to start a collection of winter gems
If your garden lacks late winter interest, give it a boost by planting snowdrops in the green for a wonderful display next year. I bought 50 for starters – about 75 will cover a square metre.
So what’s the difference between planting snowdrops in the green in February-April or as dry bulbs in October-November? Well, dry bulbs take an age to establish, but they’re much cheaper. When plants are ‘in the green’ just after flowering, they establish much more quickly. There’s no need to prune snowdrops, but remove spent blooms to send energy back to the bulb.
I’ve used Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus Flore Pleno, bought for a very reasonable £9 for 50 from www.eurobulbs.co.uk. The honey-scented, double-flowered blooms reach 15cm in height. It’s worth shopping around, as prices vary wildly even for the common bulbs. Also bear in mind that ‘galanthophiles’ (snowdrop collectors) will pay a small fortune for rare bulbs!
Planting snowdrops – look for the soil mark
Carefully separate your bulbs into clumps of three-five (I chose five). Leave 15cm or so between each group to allow them space to clump up and spread. Plant snowdrops in the green at the same depth – look for the soil mark. Water them thoroughly and leave the foliage to die down naturally. Water regularly if conditions are dry.
Snowdrops like moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil in dappled or partial shade, anywhere that mimics their native woodland habitat. Once established, they’re maintenance-free. Just let the foliage die back naturally.
Grow them beneath deciduous shrubs or hedges, or in borders where herbaceous plants can take over when the snowdrops are dormant. They do well in grass, used as annuals in pots and in rock gardens.
Propagate your snowdrops by lifting, dividing and replanting congested clumps after flowering in March or April. With a hand fork, lift the bulb with roots and foliage in place. Replant immediately and water well. Don’t worry if the foliage looks a bit sorry, as by next winter, they should be healthy and strong.
