Snowdrops can be grown in every garden. In well-drained, moisture-retentive soil they will multiply to form large colonies and drifts. They may appear fragile, but these winter beauties originate from harsh mountain climates and show remarkable fortitude, pushing their tough shoots through cold and frosty ground in the new year — even through blankets of snow.
Although we expect them to bloom in January, February and early March, mild winters such as this one may result in an early display. Galanthus nivalis, the common snowdrop, is resilient and increases rapidly when divided regularly. It produces narrow grey-green leaves and elegant single flowers at about 15cm in height. The outer petals are pure crystal white and the inner petals display a green inverted “v” marking.