Snowdrops belong to the genus Galanthus and are true winter and early spring flowering plants. Many species and cultivars open their flowers in January and February, sometimes even earlier, making them among the first garden plants to reappear after the darkest months of winter.

The typical flower consists of three larger white outer segments and three shorter inner segments, often marked with green or yellow-green. This variation in flower shape, markings, size and flowering time is exactly what makes Galanthus so interesting to enthusiasts and collectors.

Snowdrops grow best in humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade or light shade. They often thrive beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, where they receive plenty of light in winter and early spring and more shelter later in the season.

Once well established, Galanthus are tough, long-lived plants that require little maintenance. They can gradually form larger clumps and work well in woodland edges, naturalistic planting, rock gardens and among other early spring flowering plants.

If snowdrops need to be moved or divided, this is best done “in the green”: shortly after flowering, while the leaves are still green. At that stage the bulbs usually re-establish quickly. Avoid planting them in very dry soil and do not allow the soil to dry out completely after planting.

The Coolplants collection includes both well-known Galanthus species and distinctive cultivars and collector forms, differing in flower markings, flowering time, habit and rarity. For more in-depth information about snowdrops, visit Galanthus.be.