Is Leucojum the same as snowdrop?
They are sometimes called summer snowflakes, even though they bloom in the early spring and not in the summer. Most people refer to these beauties as Leucojum. Common names can be confusing as I grew up calling them snowdrops, which is incorrect as that common name usually refers to Galanthus species. Rare snowdrop varieties are not usually easy to propagate, hence the hefty price tag per bulb! Snowdrops were named after earrings not drops of snow. There are more than 2,500 varieties of snowdrop. They are symbolic of spring, purity and religion.
Does Leucojum spread?
If a clump gets too large for the space, dig up the bulbs in early summer after the foliage has turned yellow. Divide and replant. Leucojum grows more rapidly in warm climates and may spread itself around. This is usually considered a good thing. As a perennial bulb, Leucojum will come back every year, and since it’s a naturalizing plant, you’ll have a few more every year as well.The genus name Leucojum comes from the Greek meaning white flowers. They are hardy in USDA planting zones 4 to 8, and these beautiful bulbs will grow in full sun to part shade in well-drained, organically rich soils.Leucojum aestivum is a perennial bulbous plant, generally 35–60 cm (14–24 in) tall, but some forms reach 90 cm (35 in). Its leaves, which are well developed at the time of flowering, are strap-shaped, 5–20 mm (0.