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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

Other common names
Loddon lily
St Agnes' flower
see moreSt George's violet
summer snowdrop
Synonyms
Leucojum aestivum Nancy Lindsey's best form
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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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