In Stock

Leucojum Spring Snowflakes

Wholesale Sales Only

Bring your garden to life with the elegant charm of Leucojum Spring Snowflakes (Leucojum vernum). These late winter to early spring bloomers feature nodding, bell-shaped white flowers delicately tipped with green, accompanied by lush, strap-like dark green foliage that provides a rich, textured backdrop to their delicate blooms. Perfect for creating delightful drifts in woodland gardens, borders, or along pond banks, they grow more enchanting with each passing year. Thriving in well-drained, rich soils and full sun to part shade, these versatile bulbs are ideal for enhancing pathways, filling garden beds, or brightening the dappled light beneath deciduous trees. Loved by pollinators, they provide an essential early-season food source while delivering timeless beauty. Create a stunning, naturalised feature in your garden with these captivating Spring Snowflakes!

Description

Leucojum Spring Snowflakes

Leucojum Spring Snowflakes (Leucojum vernum), part of the Amaryllidaceae family, are delightful bulbous perennials treasured for their beauty and versatility. Known for their bell-shaped white flowers tipped with green, these plants bloom from late winter to early spring and are considered a mid-height option for gardens. Their strap-like, dark green foliage adds charm to any setting. Native to central and southern Europe, Leucojum thrives in woodlands and meadows, favouring cool, damp winters and mild springs. With their ability to naturalise, they are a popular choice for adding soft, natural beauty to gardens worldwide.

Uses of Leucojum Spring Snowflakes

Leucojum Spring Snowflakes are ideal for enhancing various garden styles and purposes:

  • Woodland Gardens: Their adaptability to part shade makes them excellent for woodland settings. They thrive under deciduous trees, enjoying dappled sunlight before the trees leaf out. Their nodding blooms create a soft, natural effect when planted en masse.
  • Naturalising: Once established, they return year after year, spreading gently to create a low-maintenance display.
  • Borders and Flower Beds: Pair beautifully with spring bloomers like daffodils and crocuses for a textured floral display.
  • Containers and Pots: Excellent for patios and small spaces, their graceful blooms add charm to outdoor areas.
  • Cut Flowers: Their elegant nodding flowers make stunning additions to floral arrangements.

Climate Suitability

Leucojum Spring Snowflakes thrive in cool, temperate, Mediterranean, semi-arid, and arid climates. They perform well in regions with cool, damp winters and mild springs, where their bulbs can receive the chilling period required for flowering. While they prefer moist soils during the growing season, they adapt to diverse environments when provided with adequate drainage and protection from excessive heat during dormancy.

When and How to Plant

When to Plant: Plant Leucojum bulbs in autumn to give them time to establish before winter.

How to Plant:

  1. Light Conditions: Plant in full sun to part shade. Afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter regions to prevent stress.
  2. Soil Preparation and Fertiliser: Choose well-draining, organically rich soil. Enrich the planting site with compost or well-broken-down animal manure and mix in a balanced fertiliser to support bulb establishment.
  3. Planting Depth and Spacing:
  • Plant bulbs 10 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart, with the pointed end facing up.
  • In warmer climates, plant bulbs slightly deeper (12-15 cm) for added protection against heat.
  1. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, then maintain consistent moisture during the growing season.

Aftercare

  • Foliage Management: Allow foliage to die back naturally. Gradually reduce watering as the leaves yellow and the plant enters dormancy.
  • Mulching: In warmer climates, mulch around the bulbs to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
  • Fertilising: Apply a blood and bone fertiliser in winter to help bulbs store energy for the next season.
  • Pots and Containers: Ensure containers have good drainage and reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy.

Division

Dividing Leucojum bulbs every 4-5 years helps prevent overcrowding and maintain their vigour. Once the foliage has fully died back, carefully lift the clumps, separate the bulbs, and either replant them at the recommended depth and spacing or store them in a cool, dry place before replanting in autumn.

Pests and Diseases

Leucojum is hardy but may occasionally face issues:

  • Pests: Snails, slugs, and aphids may damage foliage. Use organic controls like traps or insecticidal soap.
  • Diseases: Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot and fungal infections like leaf spot or grey mould. Remove affected plants promptly.

Toxicity

Spring Snowflakes are toxic if ingested by humans or pets, potentially causing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Exercise caution in households with children and pets; wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. Seek medical help if ingestion occurs.

Supplied as dormant bulbs.

Additional information

Botanical Name

Leucojum vernum

Quantity in Pack

22 Bulbs

Flowering Time

Late Winter, Early Spring

Planting Time

Plant from March onwards

Growing Height

45 cm

Planting Depth

10 cm

Soil

Plant in well-draining, organically rich soil enriched with compost or well-aged animal manure. For an added boost, especially in poor soils, apply a balanced fertiliser.
For pots, use a high quality potting mix.

How to Plant

Select a location with full sun to part shade, ensuring the plants receive afternoon sun. Position the bulbs with the pointed end facing upward, planting them 10 cm deep (12-15 cm in warmer climates) and spacing them 10-15 cm apart. Cover with soil, water thoroughly to settle them, and apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Watering

After watering them in, wait for the foliage to emerge. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but well-drained to avoid waterlogging. As the foliage begins to yellow, gradually reduce watering to allow the bulbs to store energy for the next growing season. Once the plants enter dormancy, keep the soil relatively dry. In warmer, dry climates, provide occasional light watering during dormancy and resume regular watering when growth begins again.

Fertilise

Apply a balanced fertiliser to the soil before planting. During winter, enrich the soil with compost, blood and bone, or well-decayed manure.

Pruning

Spring Snowflakes require minimal pruning compared to other plants. Allow the foliage to fully die back before removing it, and trim the stems to about 5-10 cm above the soil. This helps the bulbs store energy for the next growing season.
Spring Snowflakes can be left undisturbed for years to multiply but should be divided when clumps become overcrowded during their dormancy. Once the foliage has completely died back, lift the bulbs, separate them, and either replant at the recommended depth or store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space until autumn planting. For potted Spring Snowflakes, divide every few years to prevent overcrowding and top up with compost to replenish the depleted soil.

close
Shopping cart
close