Snowdrop Flower Care Guide: How to Grow Snowdrop Plants

“Snowdrop” is the common name of flowers belonging to the Galanthus genus, which is made up of bulbous perennial flowering plants native to Europe and the Middle East. These spring flowers are one of the earliest bloomers among flowering bulbs, opening in late winter or early spring. Snowdrop bulbs produce a bell-shaped flower that hangs from the stalk, giving the flower its name. When fully opened, the white flowers resemble snowflakes; they have three large outer petals surrounding three inner petals, which contrast beautifully against the plant’s dark green leaves.

The most well-known type of snowdrop is Galanthus nivalis, otherwise known as the common snowdrop. Other popular snowdrop species include giant snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii), pleated snowdrop (Galanthus plicatus), and green snowdrop or Woronow's snowdrop (Galanthus woronowii). Snowdrop flowers are related to amaryllis flowers (of the Hippeastrum genus) and daffodils (of the Narcissus genus).

Snowdrop plants make for a beautiful winter flower to add to your garden. Use the following steps as a guide for growing snowdrop plants:

• Prepare the soil. Plant dormant snowdrop bulbs in the fall to ensure an early-spring bloom time. Thoroughly loosen the soil in your garden bed; humus-rich, moist, well-draining soil types are best. Space bulbs three to four inches apart for best growth. Snowdrop flowers require good drainage, so they work well in rock gardens.
• Ensure that snowdrops get ample sunlight. Snowdrops bloom in full sun or under the partial shade of larger deciduous trees before the trees regrow their leaves and cast heavy, sun-blocking shade.
• Water and nourish the bulbs. Use light to medium amounts of water in warm climates and during the hotter months. During the cooler months, snowdrops require little water. Avoid high heat and humidity—snowdrop flowers grow best in hardiness zones three through seven. Most varieties benefit from potassium-rich fertilizers.
• Remove yellow and brown foliage. After the snowdrops flower by late spring, the foliage will begin to die off. Some botanists remove the leaves entirely after they begin to brown. This ensures that the nutrients will be concentrated in the bulbs and preserved for next year’s blooms.
• Propagate snowdrop bulbs. Snowdrops will self-propagate if left on their own. You can transplant the new plants or uproot and store the bulbs for planting at a later date.

Snowdrop plants are toxic to both humans and animals—which also happens to make them resistant to pests. All parts of the plant contain phenanthridine alkaloids, a poisonous substance that is especially concentrated in the bulbs. Keep pets and children away from snowdrop plants, and if you suspect that any part of a snowdrop plant has been consumed, contact your local poison control center.

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