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No Quibble GuaranteeHow to grow Galanthus
Galanthus, most well-known as Snowdrops, are a welcome early sight, often flowering when snow is still on the ground. illuminating cold and sometimes dismal days.
Nodding heads of pure white are displayed by the single teardrop of Galanthus nivalis, or ruffled double blooms with layers of green marked petals by Galanthus nivalis Flore Pleno.
A woodland beauty, Galanthus will naturalise, perhaps beneath a tree or to brighten a shaded corner.
Seldom used as cut flowers, a little vase of these sweet, scented blooms is a treat as we start to say goodbye to winter.
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Galanthus
Dry bulbs should be planted in early autumn, or ‘in the green’ in spring, soon after flowering when they have some foliage.
Galanthus are extremely hardy and reliably perennial, and best planted where they can naturalise and spread – grassy areas, hedgerows, or dappled shaded areas.
How to plant Galanthus
Plant in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Incorporate organic matter, ideally leaf-mould and if planting in heavy clay, add a layer of grit for drainage too.
Plant 10cm deep and apart, with the pointy end upwards. Cover with soil and water in well. Water regularly if the weather is dry as Galanthus bulbs can dry out quickly.
Grow in a pot where their delicate beauty can be seen and enjoyed up close, ideally just for the first year. Use peat-free multipurpose compost, enriched with leaf mould and a base layer of grit for drainage. Water well and never allow the soil to dry out.
How to care for Galanthus
Galanthus require almost no maintenance once established. Feeding and watering is not necessary.
After flowering, leave the foliage to die back naturally, allowing the bulbs to photosynthesise and reserve nutrients for next year. Deadhead to prevent energy being used to produce seed. If grown amongst grass, do not mow until the leaves have died back.
Divide clumps every few years after the foliage has faded by lifting and splitting into smaller sections for replanting.
More vigorous and healthier when planted in the ground, consider relocating pot grown Snowdrops to the garden after the first year.
How to propagate Urginea
Urginea are imposing plants, creating a dramatic statement when planted alone, creating quite an impressive clump when they have naturalised.
However, when grown amongst grasses or interspersed Allium they look incredible.
When choosing companion plants, think about the growing conditions that are preferred by each plant. Maybe grow Urginia maritima with Allium Forelock, Moly or Hair – the almost globe-like spheres of blooms will hover above the foliage but will have faded by the time the Urginea flowers have fully developed so will not detract from the spectacle.
Whether grown in borders or containers, the period when the foliage is absent could be filled with a low growing, evergreen carpet of Delosperma Suntropics Purple, Copper or Red, which become covered with bright almost neon coloured daisy-like flowers from spring until the first frosts.
