Leucojum vernum
spring snowflake
A bulbous perennial to 30cm in height, with strap-shaped glossy dark green leaves and erect stems with 1 or 2 broadly bell-shaped, green-tipped white flowers 2.5cm in width
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Leucojum are bulbous perennials with narrowly strap-shaped leaves and umbels of bell-shaped white, rarely pink flowers, each tepal often tipped with green
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & E Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant dry bulbs, 8 to 10cm deep, in autumn, in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, reliably moist soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in autumn, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets after the leaves have died down. If clumps become too large, divide in early summer after the leaves have turned yellow, and replant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails and narcissus bulb fly
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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