
Common Snowdrop 'nivalis'
Welcome the new gardening year with the quintessential harbinger of spring, the Common Snowdrop. Galanthus nivalis brings delicate beauty to the late winter garden when little else is stirring. Its nodding, milky-white bell-shaped flowers, each tipped with a distinctive green V-shape on the inner petals, are a truly welcome sight. Winner of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, this hardy little bulb is perfect for naturalising in lawns, underplanting deciduous trees, or creating enchanting drifts in woodland settings. For a classic winter display, pair them with the golden yellows of Winter Aconites or the rich purples of early Crocus.
Botanical name | Galanthus nivalis |
Flower colour | White with green markings |
Bulb size | 4/5 cm |
Established height | 15 cm |
Established spread | 8 cm |
Plant spacing | 150 bulbs per m² |
Leaf colour | Grey-green |
Habit | Clump-forming |
Life cycle | Perennial |
Hardiness | Fully hardy |
Years to establish | 1st year |
Sunlight | Full sun, Partial shade |
Position | Sheltered |
Suitable for | Naturalising, Borders, Pots, Underplanting |
Soil acidity | Any |
Soil moisture | Moist but well-drained |
Soil type | Loam, Sandy, Chalky, Clay |
RHS Award (AGM) | Yes |
Growing skill | Easy to grow |
Pollinator-friendly | Yes |
Deer resistant | Yes |
Planting and Flowering Calendar
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Planting
Flowering
Key Features
Packed in paper
Packed peat-free
Great for Shade