Scientific Name
Chionodoxa luciliae, C. gigantea
Common Name
Glory of the Snow
CHIONODOXA
gigantea (Blue flowers with white heart)
luciliae (Blue and pink flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Chionodoxa spp. flower in early spring (Feb/March) and are 4-6 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Asia Minor
2. Common names: Glory of the Snow
3. Geophyte organ: Bulb
4. Hardiness type: Hardy II - Injured at temperatures below 14 degrees F (-10C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by offset bulblets and requires a warm (60 to 70F) - cool (20 to 30F) - warm (35 to 55F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Rock gardens, beds, ground covers, lawns, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 4/5 and 5/up cm, in circumference.
2. Planting density: 1 inch apart, 60 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of the bulb.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zone 3 with mulch, Zones 4 to 7 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight, to PM or AM only sunlight, to 25% shade.
7. Moisture: Tolerates summer drought. Requires moisture during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Chaenomeles japonica, Forsythia, Jasminum nudiflorum, Helleborus orientalis, Vinca minor, Hammamelis.

Chionodoxa luciliae

Chionodoxa luciliae

C. luciliae 'Pink Giant'

Chionodoxa gigantea

Chionodoxa gigantea

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.