Collector’s snowdrops are more unusual species and cultivars which vary from the standard ones in their shape, colouring or markings. There are thousands of different named cultivars, many particularly distinctive but others difficult to tell apart unless you are an enthusiast with good knowledge of the snowdrop and a keen eye for detail.
Full Answer
How much is a snowdrop worth?
Avid collectors of snowdrops are known as galanthophiles. These collectors can spend hundreds of pounds on a single rare bulb. The highest amount paid for a named snowdrop variety was £1,390 for a variety called ‘golden fleece’.
Are snowdrops a hardy?
They are classified as spring bulb plants and belong to the amaryllis family. A native plant to Europe and southwest Asia, snowdrops are winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7. In the southern zones, the bulbs may lose vigor over time; this is a plant best suited to cooler climates.
What is the scientific name of snowdrop?
The genus name refers to the white color of the flowers ( gala is Greek for "milk," while anthos is Greek for "flower"), and nivalis is Latin for "snow-like." They are classified as spring bulb plants and belong to the amaryllis family. A native plant to Europe and southwest Asia, snowdrops are winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7.
Where do snowdrops grow naturally?
Snowdrops, which are native to Europe and the Middle East, are very popular in the northern U.S. and have naturalized widely. Also common in Great Britain, visitors can take special tours where the naturalized flowers form impressive carpets of white blooms.
Are snowdrops valuable?
And it is these most rare and sought-after collectable snowdrops that can be worth several hundred pounds. The way you can make money from a snowdrop is by purchasing one of the rare species or hybrids and using the bulbs to grow more – but it is not easy, which is also why they are so valuable.
Which is the rarest snowdrop?
The most valuable is the galanthus woronowii, also known as the 'Elizabeth Harrison', or giant snowdrop. A single bulb of this variety reportedly sold for a whopping £725 on eBay in 2012. It is set apart from others by gold markings on the petals.
Are snowdrops good luck?
Snowdrops have many meanings and symbols associated with it. They can mean purity, innocence, and sympathy. In Victorian England, if you sighted a snowdrop it was a sign of death and back luck. It was also considered back luck to pick the flowers and use them inside the home.
Why are snowdrops so expensive?
The high cost of snowdrop bulbs The basic reason is their slow rate of increase which can generally be described as modest, at best. We are all probably familiar with the way a clump of daffodils gradually increases in size and becomes mostly leaves with few flowers. We dig it up and find a large ball of bulbs.
How many varieties of snowdrop are there?
There are about 20 known species of snowdrop, native to Europe and the Middle East. Probably the most common species are Galanthus nivalis, Galanthus elwesii and Galanthus plicatus. Many hybrid snowdrops have arisen from just these three species. The best way to tell these three species apart is to examine the leaf.
What is a snowdrop collector called?
A galanthophile is an enthusiastic collector and identifier of snowdrop (Galanthus) species and cultivars.
What are snowdrops a symbol of?
Snowdrop flowers have long been featured in myth and legend. As early heralds of spring, the blossoms symbolize hope, fertility, renewal, and rebirth, while the white petals signify purity and modesty. To the Victorians, snowdrops were associated with death.
What does a snowdrop flower smell like?
Delicately scented with a lightly honeyed, creamy almond kind of smell, the latin name 'Galanthus' means 'milky flower', and this tiny bloom has gathered centuries of fragrant folklore around its origins, continuing to inspire perfumers with its transcendent prettiness.
Why was it called snowdrop?
Snowdrop uses South Korea's history of the Democratic movement of 1987 as a backdrop for its K-drama storyline. Despite the K-drama's slight rise in ratings, South Koreans still see Snowdrop as an insult to the individuals who took part in paving the way for the country's first democratic elections.
Are snowdrops easy to grow?
They also do well at the foot of a deciduous hedge, and are often planted in grass, at the front of spring border displays, and in rock gardens. Snowdrops do well in pots, but they suffer if grown in soil that dries out in summer and will need repotting annually.
When can you buy snowdrop bulbs?
The best time for when to plant snowdrops is in the early fall. You will need to be quick in buying them, as they will only be available from your local nursery or mail order company for a short period of time in the autumn, due to the fact that they are sold as undried bulbs that do not store well.
Which are the best snowdrops?
Best snowdrops to growGalanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus 'Flore Pleno' ... Galanthus 'Wendy's Gold' AGM. ... Galanthus elwesii. ... Galanthus 'Titania'
What are the tall snowdrops called?
Leucojum are bulbous perennials with bell-shaped white flowers and strap-shaped foliage. They look much like a snowdrop in appearance but are twice as tall and flower later than snowdrops do. Leucojum are well-suited to planting in borders, beds and containers.
How many petals does a snowdrop have?
six petalTypical snowdrop flowers are white, made up of six petal-like segments known as tepals – three larger, outer ones and three smaller, inner ones. The inner petals have a little notch at the tip and a green inverted V marking above it.
How many petals does a snow drop?
sixSnowdrops are small perennial herbs with bulbs and basal linear leaves. The small flowers are composed of six white tepals (undifferentiated petals and sepals); the three outer tepals are long and curved, and the inner tepals are small and notched.
How many species of snowdrops are there?
A member of the Amaryllis family, snowdrops comprise a small genus ( Galanthus) with about 20 species. The common snowdrop ( Galanthus nivalis) grows only 3-6" tall, with linear leaves. The plants have a single small drooping bell-shaped flower with six white petal-like sepals arranged in two circles. The inner sepals are sometimes marked with green. The giant snowdrop ( Galanthus elwesii) looks very similar, merely larger, growing from 14-16" tall.
Where are snowdrops native to?
Snowdrops, which are native to Europe and the Middle East, are very popular in the northern U.S. and have naturalized widely. Also common in Great Britain, visitors can take special tours where the naturalized flowers form impressive carpets of white blooms. There are even snowdrop festivals in Scotland. However, you do not need to travel abroad to attend one of these events. Consider traveling to Dowingtown, Pennsylvania, which has an annual Galanthus Gala.
When do snowdrops bloom in Pennsylvania?
The appropriately named snowdrop blooms in much of Pennsylvania in late February or March, often peeking up through a cover of snow.
Is snowdrop poisonous to pets?
Snowdrops have no serious insect or disease problems and are deer resistant. 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.
Can snowdrops be planted under deciduous trees?
Snowdrops provide charm and a promise of spring in woodland settings and rock gardens alike. They may be planted under deciduous trees, as they will bloom and die back before the trees leaf out. Pretty planted in drifts of up to 25 bulbs, they will spread over time. To speed up propagation, one can carefully dig and divide them soon after they are done blooming.
Where do snowdrops grow?
Snowdrops are in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), and there are only a dozen cultivated species, mostly native to the deciduous woodlands of Europe and western Asia.
How cold can snowdrops get?
Woodland settings are ideal for snowdrops, and they will return year after year if given winter low temperatures that reach at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but no colder than 30 degrees below zero. Snowdrops are equally effective whether they are naturalized in large masses, tucked in small pockets in rock gardens, or grown in colonies under early spring-flowering shrubs.
How to propagate snowdrops?
Snowdrop bulbs can remain undisturbed for many years and will multiply by themselves; however, they also can be propagated by division. The best time to move or divide snowdrops is when they have just finished flowering. Lift the bulbs and the soil around them so as not to disturb the roots, and replant immediately in sections of no fewer than four or five bulbs. Be sure the newly transplanted bulbs receive a thorough watering.
How long are the leaves of a nivalis?
As its common name implies, this species has relatively large flowers that are 1 1/2 inches long and borne singularly on 6- to 12-inch-long stems. The basal leaves are 8 inches long and 3/4-inch wide. Flowering from February to April, this species withstands hot weather better than G. nivalis.
How tall are snowdrops?
Common snowdrops are tiny plants (3 to 6 inches tall) that produce one small (1 inch or less) white flower, which hangs down off its stalk like a "drop" prior to opening. When the bloom opens, three outer petals arch out over three inner petals. The leaves are shaped like narrow blades, growing about 4 inches long. Snowdrops are perennial plants that may multiply and spread over time; in fact, they will frequently naturalize. Take advantage of this fact to lift and divide the bulbs when you wish to propagate snowdrops.
What is the name of the snowdrop plant?
Botanical Information. Plant taxonomy classifies common snowdrops as Galanthus nivalis. The genus name refers to the white color of the flowers ( gala is Greek for "milk," while anthos is Greek for "flower"), and nivalis is Latin for "snow-like.". They are classified as spring bulb plants and belong to the amaryllis family.
How are snowflakes different from snowdrops?
So how are the snowflakes ( Leucojum) different from the snowdrops ( Galanthus )? Whereas the three outer petals of Galanthus are larger than the three inner petals, all six of the flower petals the Leucojum genus are the same length. A flowering stem of summer snowflake is likely to bear more flowers—up to six—whereas you usually find just one bloom (or occasionally two) on a flowering stem of spring snowflake .
What flowers are on the glory of the snow?
Winter aconite and Adonis both have yellow flowers. The flowers on glory-of-the-snow can be light pink, blue, lavender, or white. Crocus also blooms in various colors, including purple. All four serve readily as companion plants for snowdrops in a woodland or rock garden setting. Article Sources.
When do snowdrops bloom?
As the name suggests, snowdrops ( Galanthus nivalis) are one of the first of all spring flowers to bloom. Depending on the region, they appear in February and March, often while snow still blankets the ground. This low-growing plant tolerates partial shade to full sun and a variety of soil types, and it requires almost no maintenance.
Can snowdrops be eaten by dogs?
Snowdrops have no serious disease or pest problems. However, remember that these are poisonous plants for humans, dogs, and cats alike. 1 Consequently, do not allow pets or children to eat them. Nor should you work with the plants without wearing garden gloves (for example, when picking up the bulbs to plant them); some people can develop skin irritation from handling them without protection.
Do snowdrops spread over time?
Snowdrops are perennial plants that may multiply and spread over time; in fact, they will frequently naturalize. Take advantage of this fact to lift and divide the bulbs when you wish to propagate snowdrops. Featured Video. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova.
What is snowdrop used for?
In traditional medicine, snowdrops were used to treat headaches and as a painkiller. In modern medicine, a naturally occurring substance within the plant, called galantamine, is used to help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
What do snowdrops symbolize?
In the Language of Flowers snowdrops symbolise chastity, consolation, death, friendship in adversity, hope and purity.
Where to buy snowdrops
You can find more suggestions for snowdrop visits and days where plants will be for sale in our feature on the best places to see snowdrops.
Snowdrop fairs 2022
You can find more suggestions for snowdrop visits and days where plants will be for sale in our feature on the best places to see snowdrops.
Where are snowdrops best for?
Snowdrops are suitable for rock gardens, fronts of borders, in front of flowering shrubs, and along walkways. In areas where they can naturalize, such as woodland margins, they are effective when left alone and allowed to multiply and spread.
How do you know if snowdrops are coming?
The sight of snowdrop shoots poking up through snow-covered ground is one of the first signs that spring is near. It was once thought that their leaves were thermogenic, producing their own heat in order to melt through the snow. However, it is more likely a thermal effect of sunlight heating the tips of the leaves warmer than the surrounding snow. Each bulb produces 2-3 narrow, green leaves and a single flower scape (or stalk).
How to grow snowdrops in a garden?
Not sure how to use them in your garden? Here are some ideas: 1 For best effect, plant in groups of at least 25 bulbs. 2 Snowdrops are suitable for rock gardens, fronts of borders, in front of flowering shrubs, and along walkways. 3 In areas where they can naturalize, such as woodland margins, they are effective when left alone and allowed to multiply and spread.
How many lobes does a snowdrop flower have?
Small, bell-shaped, fragrant, flowers with white outer petals and green tips or markings on the inner segments. Each snowdrop flower consists of two whorls of three lobes.
How long does it take for snowdrops to grow?
After blooming, allow the leaves to remain in place to gather and store energy for next year. Snowdrops will take a year to get established. In their second year, they will produce more flowers and begin to multiply and spread.
When to dig up snowdrop bulbs?
They are easily dug up, divided and transplanted. Dig them up any time after the foliage has died back in mid-to-late spring until early autumn. Galanthus bulbs tend to dry out if left out of the ground, so re-plant immediately.
Where did the Christmas snowdrop originate?
Galanthus elwesii ‘Xmas’, a December-blooming snowdrop, originated at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, DC. I introduced it and named it ‘Xmas’ because it blooms around Christmas and has a distinct X on its inner segments.
When does snowdrop bloom?
The species snowdrop Galanthus reginae-olgae blooming in our garden in October with ‘Shell Pink’ lamium.
When does the Galanthus elwesii snowdrop bloom?
Galanthus elwesii ‘Potter’s Prelude’ begins to bloom in mid-November in our garden and can often last into January. It is a rare American snowdrop selected in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, in the 1960s.
Ecology
Characteristics
- Common snowdrops are tiny plants (3 to 6 inches tall) that produce one small (1 inch or less), white flower, which hangs down off its stalk like a \"drop\" prior to opening. When the bloom opens, three outer petals arch out over three inner petals. The leaves are shaped like narrow blades, growing about 4 inches long. Snowdrops are perennial plants that may multiply and spre…
Classification
- Plant taxonomy classifies common snowdrops as Galanthus nivalis. The genus name refers to the white color of the flowers (gala is Greek for \"milk,\" while anthos is Greek for \"flower\"), and nivalis is Latin for \"snow-like.\" They are classified as spring bulb plants and belong to the amaryllis family. A native plant to Europe and southwest Asia, snowdrops are winter hardy i…
Usage
- Snowdrops are usually planted in drifts of grouped bulbs, and they will gradually spread over time. They are often mixed with other spring-blooming bulbs. You can plant snowdrop bulbs under deciduous trees without worrying that your snowdrops will not receive sufficient sunlight since they bloom and begin storing nutrient well before the leaves come out on trees. This fact gives y…
Cultivation
- Snowdrops take full sun to partial shade. Grow them in well-drained soil that has plenty of humus. This plant does not require particularly moist soil in the North; in the South, however, it will need more water. Plant the bulbs 2 to 3 inches deep in the ground, in groups of up to 25 bulbs. Recommended planting time is in the fall. These are small plants that will not have much impac…
Risks
- Snowdrops have no serious disease or pest problems. However, remember that these are poisonous plants for humans, dogs and cats alike. Consequently, do not allow pets or children to eat them. Nor should you work with the plants without wearing garden gloves (for example, when picking up the bulbs to plant them); some people can develop skin irritat...