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White snowdrops emerging through the last snowBulbs & tubers

Galanthus nivalis

Snowdrop

snowdropspring bloomingnaturalisingwinter floweringbulb

The Snowdrop is one of the very first spring bloomers, often appearing while snow still lies on the ground. The graceful, bell-shaped white flowers hang from slender stems and herald the end of winter. The bulbs multiply rapidly and eventually form beautiful white carpets.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Partial shade
Water
Medium
Height
10–15 cm
Spread
5–10 cm
Hardiness zone
3–8
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
white
Wildlife value
bees

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant the bulbs in autumn at about 8 cm depth in partial shade under deciduous trees. The plant thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and tolerates heavy clay well. Leave the bulbs undisturbed after flowering — they require no maintenance. Do not mow until the foliage has fully died back.

Pruning tips

No pruning needed. Leave the foliage for at least six weeks after flowering so the bulb can store nutrients. Divide overcrowded clumps immediately after flowering while the leaves are still green.

Good companions

Butter-yellow winter aconite with green leaf collar in early springBulbs & tubers

Eranthis hyemalis

Winter Aconite

Winter Aconite is a cheerful yellow spring flower that wakes the garden from its winter sleep alongside snowdrops. The butter-yellow cup-shaped blooms are surrounded by a green collar of leaves. The tubers naturalise happily and eventually form golden carpets beneath trees and shrubs.

Partial shadeMedium5–10 cm
Purple lenten rose blooming among evergreen foliage in early springPerennials

Helleborus orientalis

Lenten Rose

The Lenten Rose is one of the first bloomers of the garden year, with saucer-shaped flowers in purple, pink or white appearing as early as February. The evergreen, palmate foliage forms attractive clumps that remain decorative year-round. The plant is a valuable early nectar source for bees.

Partial shadeMedium30–50 cm
Pale yellow primroses in a partially shaded spring gardenPerennials

Primula vulgaris

Common Primrose

The Common Primrose is one of the most beloved spring flowers, with soft, pale yellow blooms emerging from a compact leaf rosette. Flowering lasts from March to May and heralds the arrival of spring. The plant thrives best in a natural, partially shaded garden.

Partial shadeMedium10–20 cm