Dr Green Fingers | Snowdrops In Flower

Jan 03, 2024by Vicky Hurst

Your Comprehensive Guide To Snowdrop Flowers & Planting

As we endure the cold winter months, we and our gardens eagerly await the first signs of spring. At Plants by Post, we're excited to introduce you to the delicate beauty of snowdrop flowers, the plant harbingers of spring. Often, you might catch your first glimpse of snowdrops in the garden or in the wild as the blanket of winter snow starts to melt. In its wake, the persistent and beautiful sight of snowdrop plants standing proud to give us a second snowfall to welcome.

Welcome to our guide to snowdrop planters! Here you can find information on this gorgeous plant and advice on how to best care for them.

What is a Snowdrop Flower?

The snowdrop is a flowering plant with the scientific name of Galanthus Nivalis. It stands at around 7-15cm tall and looks ethereal with a minimal number of smooth, narrow leaves that are a frosty grey-green colour.

The flower itself is made up of six segments, known as tepals, and is a part of the Amaryllidaceae family. They are commonly found in woodland and grassland areas, including parks and gardens.

When Do Snowdrops Flower?

Typically, snowdrops flower between January and April, so we look forward to these beautiful buds transitioning us into spring.

Often, you might catch your first glimpse of snowdrops in the wild as the blanket of winter snow starts to melt. In its wake, the persistent and beautiful sight of snowdrop plants standing proud to give us a second snowfall to welcome.

When Should I Plant Snowdrops?

Typically, snowdrops flower between January and April, so we can look forward to these beautiful buds transitioning us into spring. You will start to see them coming up in gardens and the countryside now. So anytime between these dates is good, though to get the most out of your Snowdrop Flowers, the earlier they are planted the better!

Where Should I Plant Snowdrops?

If you’re transferring a snowdrop plant to your garden, you should make sure to do so in an area with shade patches. The soil should also be hummus-rich and moist in order for it to thrive.

How Long Does it Take a Snowdrop to Grow?

Suppose you’re trying to decide between buying Snowdrop plants or growing them yourself. In that case, the answer to this question might help your decision.

It will take a snowdrop plant seven years from a seedling to reach the flowering stage. This is a long time to wait if you’re hoping to fill your garden with this gorgeous plant this winter season. So, in that instance, many people prefer buying a snowdrop planter or a potted snowdrop buds to give themselves a head start and receive the benefits of the snowdrop flowers.

Snowdrops In The Green

It is widely believed that the best results for snowdrop flowers are to plant snowdrops in the green, rather than dry bulbs in the autumn. Dry bulbs planted in the autumn often fail, as they dry out too much during the winter and seeds can take too long. Planting snowdrop flowers that are already established with shoots and ‘in the green’, allows the plants to flourish straight away.

To achieve optimal growth, If planting to your garden, it's recommended to transplant your snowdrops immediately after dividing them. This helps avoid any drying out of the plants. When replanting, ensure they are placed deep into damp soil and water them consistently for the following weeks. This practice will aid in the swift re-establishment of the roots.

Easy Care for Beginners: No Pruning Necessary

Snowdrops are wonderfully low-maintenance, ideal for novice gardeners. They require minimal care and no pruning, making them a fuss-free addition to any garden.

What Do I Do with Snowdrops After Flowering?

Are you growing your own snowdrop plants and wondering what to do once they begin to flower? This is the sign that they are ready to be potted!

Once your snowdrops begin to flower and before the foliage turns yellow, gently lift them from the soil and plant them in your pot at the same soil level. If you think the soil in your pot may be heavy, we recommend adding a little sand or grit in order to improve drainage.

Finally, water them thoroughly and allow the foliage to die off naturally.

Why Didn't My Snowdrops Flower?

Are your snowdrops not flowering as you believe they should be? This is a sign that they might be congested. Just like we all feel a little stuffed up in winter, your snowdrops can feel the same!

This just means that too many bulbs are trying to flower in the same planter, so if they’re not flowering, this is your cue to split them up. Simply lift your snowdrops from the soil, divide the clump and re-pot in soil rich with compost.

How Should I Cut Snowdrop Flowers?

When your snowdrops have grown tall and flowered beautifully, you can share them with your friends and family. Snowdrops look beautiful in a bouquet and are a perfect way to cheer up your loved ones in the miserable month of January.

Plus, you might also need to make room for the new stems beginning to grow!

So, if you’re ready to cut your snowdrop flowers, you should make sure to pick the long stems and sear the stem end in boiling water. You should do this for just ten seconds and then put them into deep, cold water to extend their vase life.

Do Snowdrop Flowers Need Pruning?

When it comes to flower keeping, you might often hear the term pruning. It seems a lot of plants need to be pruned in order for them to flourish.

However, when it comes to snowdrop flowers, this is not the case! You can simply let the foliage of your snowdrop plants die and fall away naturally with no damage or quality caused to the flower itself. This makes keeping snowdrops a lot simpler and ideal for beginners.

Choosing the Perfect Winter Plant

We hope our guide to snowdrop flowers has given you the information you need to keep and grow these flourishing flowering plants.

Alternatively, you might be inspired to find more winter plants to decorate your home and garden like the Snowdrop Spring Planter in the picture above, which can be sent as a gift.

If you’re looking for plant gifting inspiration, we are connoisseurs in that area. At Plants by Post, we think plants are the perfect spring present, so we are pleased to offer a collection of plants filled with houseplants and outdoor plant gifts. So, sit back with a hot chocolate this winter and have fun shopping for the ultimate gifts for plant lovers!