Scientific Name
Galanthus nivalis, G. elwesii
Common Name
Snow-drops
GALANTHUS
elwesii (White flowers)
nivalis (White flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Galanthus flowers in early spring (March) and plants are 4-6 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Asia Minor and Europe
2. Common names: Snow-drops
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 slowly by seed and offsets and requires a warm (60 to 70F) - cool (28 to 32F) - warm (50 to 60F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Rock gardens, beds, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 4/5, 5/6, 6/up cm, in circumference.
2. Planting density: 0-2 inches apart, 60-400 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, 4 to 7 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight, to PM only or AM only sunlight, to 25% shade.
7. Moisture: Should be planted in an area that retains moisture throughout the year.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Chaenomeles japonica, Forsythia, Jasminum nudiflorum, Vinca minor, Hammamelis.

Galanthus nivalis

Galanthus nivalis

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.