Leucojum aestivum
summer snowflake
A deciduous bulb to 50cm tall, with long, narrow leaves and up to 8 bell-shaped, green-tipped white flowers on a leafless stem in spring
Synonyms
Leucojum aestivum Nancy Lindsey's best form
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, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Europe to N Iran
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant dry bulbs 8-10cm (3-4in) deep in autumn. Grow in moist, humus-rich soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or remove offsets once the leaves have died down
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails and narcissus bulb fly
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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