How to grow Leucojum aestivum
A cousin of the much-loved Snowdrop, known as the Summer Snowflake, the blooming time overlaps harmoniously.
Leucojum are bulbous perennials with bell-shaped white flowers and strap-shaped foliage. Looking much like a snowdrop in appearance but twice as tall with a later flowering time, the bold, tidy clumps are well-suited to planting in beds, borders and containers. A good early source of nectar for the bees, they make excellent cut flowers for your home. You should expect to see your Leucojum grown to an approximate height of 30-60cm, depending on the variety, and an approximate spread of 10cm.
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Leucojum aestivum
Leucojum are best planted in autumn, into moderately fertile and moist but well-drained soil.
In the wild, Leucojum grow at the edge of moist, shady woodlands, rich in leaf matter. If your soil is not rich, add some organic matter to increase moisture retention. However, the bulbs do not like soggy conditions. If growing in containers, use good quality, multi-purpose compost.
How to plant Leucojum Aestivum
Looking rather like mini-onions, plant the bulbs pointed end up, around 10cm deep, around 15-20cm apart – slightly closer if in a pot. Fill the hole in with soil. For a natural look plant in groups. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
What to plant with Leucojum aestivum
A native perennial from Britain and Ireland, ideal companions for Leucojum are other shade loving bulbs like Snowdrops. Other perennial companions are Pulmonaria, Trillium, Primroses or Dicentra.
How to care for Leucojum aestivum
Leucojum are a low-maintenance and easy to grow plant so do not require much care. Water regularly during spring. After flowering, allow the foliage to continue growing and storing energy back in the bulb for next year’s growth. Leave to die back naturally, any dead leaves can be removed once the plant has fully died down.
Leucojum create tidy clumps and dislike being disturbed, however if the clump gets too large, lift and split into sections in early summer, and replanted elsewhere.
It is possible to propagate Leucojum by offsets after the foliage has died down, or by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
