Snowdrops

My favorite signal that spring is taunting us with hopes of its near arrival is when the Snowdrops pop their white heads from the muddy earth. I try not to get too hopeful; its only mid-January after all, but its hard not to gaze upon with their delicate, drooping heads with just the tiniest bit of wishful thinking.

The Common or Garden Snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, grows best in Zones 4-7 where it has a cold winter period and they appear between January and April depending on your climate.

If you are wanting to add Snowdrops to your garden you will need to plant them in the fall, in well-drained soil, and where it will receive some winter sun exposure.

Snowdrops are great for naturalizing and will spread rapidly to fill in its space. They are a natural in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and filling in perennial beds when nothing else is on display.

There are 75+ Galanthus species and varieties, but since all of them are white there are only a few that are readily available. Try Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno' for a variety with a lovely double flower.