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 formSize
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.