What are good companion plants for snowdrops?
Herbaceous plants such as hardy Geraniums and Astrantia are also good companions. They disappear in the winter allowing the snowdrops to perform, while in summer provide a shady canopy over the dormant snowdrop bulbs stopping them from drying out. Snowdrops are the very first flowers of spring, often blooming when there is still snow on the ground. These hardy, fall-planted bulbs are easy to grow and will multiply over time to provide a carpet of beautiful blooms every year.Don’t prune snowdrops. Neither trim the foliage nor deadhead the spent flowers of snowdrops. They continue to get their nutrients to the bulb through the foliage until the leaves begin to fade. The entire plant will die back (above ground) when it is ready to go dormant.However, the bulbs themselves are poisonous to humans and can cause nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting if eaten. This perhaps led to the superstition that a single Snowdrop bloom in a house can bring death.However, there is a caution for pets and children: the plants are poisonous if ingested. Some gardeners also report skin irritation and recommend gloves when handling. So, plant snowdrops and look forward to seeing these beauties early every year.
How quickly do snowdrops multiply?
Either way, the free and most sustainable way to increase your snowdrop numbers is to divide some of your existing clumps. One thing the covid pandemic taught us all is the way exponential growth works. Snowdrop bulbs will multiply every year, increasing by an extra 1 – 3 bulbs or so per existing bulb in your garden. Snowdrop bulbs multiply every year and overcrowding can reduce the flower display. So, give plants a boost, and create more displays for free by lifting and dividing the clumps. Wait until the leaves have gone yellow, then dig up the plant and carefully split it into three to five smaller clumps.For welcome assurance that the brighter days of spring are on their way, look no further than snowdrops (Galanthus). They are surprisingly varied in height, flower size, shape and even colouring. Given a moist soil they will multiply into drifts and provide plenty of plants to share with fellow gardeners.Unlike many bulbous plants, which can be dried out and planted successfully in autumn, snowdrops really establish much better if drying is avoided and they are planted ‘in the green’.Overwatering is a common issue for Snowdrops. Symptoms include wilting despite wet soil, yellowing leaves, and mushy bulbs.
How many snowdrops to plant together?
If in doubt, 8-10cm will be about right. Most people want to enjoy the sight of nice clumps without delay, so plant 3-5 bulbs together. If you plant them singly, they will look sparse for a couple of years, but snowdrops multiply quite quickly, and you can cover a wider area. Plant your snowdrop bulbs as early as possible in August or September, 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and about 10cm (4in) apart. If you can’t plant your bulbs in the early autumn, it is still possible to plant them in October & November.In general, northern gardeners plant bulbs outdoors in September and October, while southern gardeners plant them outdoors in November and December. Aim to have the bulbs in the ground about six weeks before the ground freezes or the first hard frost in your area.Plant your snowdrops in light to moderate shade. Elwesii prefers full sun to light shade. Plant your snowdrops close to each other, with hips about an inch apart, for the most brilliant display. Tuck them down 2-3” inches into the soil.Best time: plant snowdrop bulbs (or “in the green” plants) in early fall. If buying snowdrops already sprouted, transplant them right after flowering. Depth: plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep and 3 inches apart, pointy side up. Watering: keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging.
Why are snowdrops difficult to grow?
Snowdrop bulbs are very prone to drying out, so if sourcing bulbs from a nursery or garden centre is the only option, buy them as soon as they are available and plant immediately. Plant snowdrops in a partly-shaded position in a moist, but well-drained soil with leafmould or garden compost incorporated. Plant your snowdrop bulbs as early as possible in August or September, 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and about 10cm (4in) apart. If you can’t plant your bulbs in the early autumn, it is still possible to plant them in October & November.
What is the best month to plant snowdrops?
The ideal time to plant snowdrop bulbs is during the autumn season, usually between September and November. When to plant. Plant daffodil bulbs in early autumn, ideally September, and potted bulbs in spring before they come into flower. You can also plant ‘forced’ bulbs indoors in September – such as the fragrant paper-white daffodil (Narcissus papyraceus) – for flowering at Christmas or New Year.