Snowdrop - Galanthus nivalis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Snowdrop

Also known as: Fair maids of February, Purification flower, Candlemas lily

A herald of spring, the snowdrop grows up to around 7 to 15 cm tall. Sprouting from bulbs, the drooping bell-shaped white flowers are accompanied by two slender, erect leaves. These flowers have been noted throughout history, with references going as far back as the fourth century.

Scientific classification

Species

Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Herb

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

7 cm to 15 cm

Plant Height

5 cm to 10 cm

Spread

Green, Gray, Silver

Leaf Color

6 mm to 1.1 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

White, Green

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver

Stem Color

Summer dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Snowdrop

Distribution of Snowdrop

Distribution Map

Snowdrop naturally thrives across parts of the temperate Euro-Asian regions, with a native range extending into the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The plant is also notably cultivated beyond its native habitat. It has been introduced to additional locations in Northern Europe and is established within certain areas there, integrating into the natural flora despite its foreign origins.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Shady pastures, woods, orchards

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Hope

Interesting Facts

Snowdrop is literally one of the most hassle-free flowers you can plant in your garden. Planting the bulbs is all you have to do. It is insect, deer, and critter resistant, it doesn't require weeding or deadheading, and under favorable conditions, it will return year after year - and even multiply.

Name Story

Common snowdrop: Snowdrop is one of the first flowers to appear from the ground as the winter fades. Snowdrop will even protrude from the remaining thin snow cover. This early start, as well as the snowy white color of the blooms, earned the plant its common names.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Snowdrop, including the following common varieties :

Common snowdrop 'Flore Pleno'Common snowdrop 'Atkinsii'Common snowdrop 'S. Arnott'Common snowdrop 'Magnet'Common snowdrop 'Viridapice'Common snowdrop 'Flore Pleno'

Toxicity

Snowdrop is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea due to the alkaloid lycorine found in its flowers, leaves, and roots. Immediate veterinary care is needed if pets ingest any part of snowdrop. Plant should be kept away from children and pets to prevent accidental poisoning.

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Quickly Identify Snowdrop

Basal lanceolate leaves, 4-8 inches long (10-20 cm).

Singular, pendulous flower with green-tipped inner tepals.

Bell-shaped white flowers with 6 tepals, outer oblong, inner shorter.

Nearly spherical capsule fruit, 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in diameter.

Linear greyish-green leaves, 3.5 inches long (9 cm).

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Care Guide for Snowdrop

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Snowdrop thrives in cold-temperate woodlands, preferring moist, well-drained soil. Weekly watering maintains its hydration balance. This bulbous perennial manages water reserves during dormancy, ensuring resilience through varying moisture levels, making it well-suited for seasonal snowmelt environments.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, snowdrop requires balanced fertilizer once in early spring to enhance vigor and flowering. Avoid overfertilization by following package instructions and applying light doses. Adjust fertilizer needs seasonally, using slow-release or diluted types, while keeping it away from foliage to prevent burn.

Pruning: Snowdrop features delicate white blooms and requires minimal, strategic pruning in early spring. Remove spent flowers and damaged leaves to promote growth, while avoiding heavy pruning. Proper timing prevents disease and enhances appearance, with regular maintenance supporting overall health.

Propagation: Snowdrop, a perennial bulb endemic to woodlands, showcases delicate white flowers that signal winter's end. Propagation relies on division; offsets should be carefully separated and replanted at an appropriate depth with good drainage to prevent rot, ensuring ongoing growth and the heralding of spring.

Repotting: Snowdrop is a small, bulbous perennial that should be repotted every 2-3 years in late spring after flowering. Use a slightly larger pot, provide bright, indirect light, and maintain moist soil to ensure snowdrop thrives during winter dormancy.

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