common snowdrop
Galanthus nivalis
RHS AGM 1993, RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size6 to 9 inches tall3 to 6 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is a perennial for borders, rock gardens, containers, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet soil of most types. Its nodding white flowers have a green spot on each petal and open in late winter, often through the snow. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. Bees visit the fragrant blooms.
Pairs well with Carlton daffodil, Fire and Ice hosta, and Winterberry.
Native range
Europe, NW. Balkan Pen., and Sicilia.