Snowdrops (galanthus) are the first hint of spring in my garden. I always welcome the appearance of their shoots even though their first blooms were the harbinger of storms this year rather than spring.
Large drifts of snowdrops are the sign of an old garden. It can take time to create a carpet of their delicate flowers. The most common, and cheapest for naturalising, is Galanthus nivalis and its double form. But there are many hundreds of snowdrops. Fans of snowdrops are called galanthophiles and at this time of year they travel hundreds of miles to see snowdrop gardens and will spend hundreds of pounds on a single bulb of new and rare varieties. For the rest of us there are a dozen or so, easily identifiable and distinct kinds, that are reasonably priced. I have limited myself to no more than £20 for a snowdrop so far!
Although you can buy snowdrops as dry bulbs in autumn, these do not always grow and you will never buy dried bulbs of the more expensive kinds. The time to divide or replant them is now, just as the flowers fade, and if you want to buy new snowdrops, buy them now, in growth, in pots or buy them in clumps ‘in-the-green’.
Snowdrops generally prefer a shady spot, ideally under trees and deciduous shrubs, though a few, such as G. elwesii, like a sunnier spot. They tolerate most soils but although they like moisture when in growth they will not thrive in waterlogged clay. They are perfect companions to hardy cyclamen and hellebores.
The bulbs naturally divide and become clumps over time and, if very overcrowded they will push themselves out of the soil. So they benefit from being divided about every five years or so especially if you want to increase them and turn your one clump into a drift of flowers. A pot with five or six bulbs will increase and be ready to divide in three years and then can be replanted as about ten small groups. After five years you will have a handsome display.
Once the flowers have faded, and ideally as the leaves are starting to die back, you can lift and divide the plants. Carefully pull the clump apart, taking care not to pull the leaves off the bulbs. Divide the clumps into small clusters of three to five bulbs.
Then replant these immediately about 15-20cm apart so one large clump is transformed into a small drift. These are my plants of a yellow snowdrop. I bought it eight years ago as a single bulb and there are now more than 100 after frequent, careful division.
There are many subtle variations in snowdrops and the yellow forms are among the most distinct although it is the ovary and the green marks of the petals that are yellow, not the whole petals. Other common variations are among the green marks on the inner petals – some even have green marks on the outer petals.
Among the oldest and most common is ‘Scharlockii’ which has extra green marks and has long ‘ears’ on the flower scape. It is easy and vigorous.
The many forms of Galanthus elwesii are also worth trying. They usually have large, ‘full’, flowers and distinct, steel grey leaves. ‘Polar Bear’ and ‘Beluga’ are two recently introduced ‘commercial’ forms that are affordable though they need a warmer, brighter spot than the common snowdrop.
Weekly reminders
This is a good time to plant shrubs, trees and climbers. It is the perfect time to plant clematis – they are starting to sprout so you can see the plant is actually alive! Remember that clematis like their tops in the sun but their roots in the shade so avoid a south-facing wall for most species. Always plant a little deeper than in the pots so the base of the stem roots.
Cut down ornamental grasses before they produce new shoots and foliage
Plant empty patio pots with spring flowers such as primroses, violas and pots of flowering bulbs.
Divide hardy herbaceous perennials – details next week
Spring talks
I am delighted to be at Nags Hall and at Betchworth next week to give the first of three, monthly talks. I am pleased to say that in the past these have been very popular. Because of demand these are now available by ticket only. You can buy tickets for the talk only or for a ‘meal deal’ and make a night of it.
The first talk is about growing summer bulbs including dahlias. You can get details about this and the other talks, and book your tickets, here