Leucojum vernum

Spring Snowflake Amaryllidaceae

One of those plants that has no need to shout. The flowers may resemble an overgrown snowdrop, but the nodding, broad white bells, each tipped with a neat green mark, give Leucojum vernum a character all its own. Flowering from late winter into early spring, it is a superb naturaliser, gradually forming generous clumps in suitably moist, humus-rich soil.

Native to much of central and southern Europe, from France and Belgium eastwards through Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary to the Balkans, with populations extending into northern Italy and Ukraine. It is particularly associated with damp meadows, woodland margins, stream sides and open deciduous woodland.

Despite its common name, Spring Snowflake, it is often in flower alongside the earliest snowdrops and can occasionally begin remarkably early. The species name vernum simply means of spring, an appropriately straightforward piece of botanical nomenclature.

Best grown in moisture-retentive, fertile soil in sun or light shade. Once established it is long-lived and makes an excellent naturalising plant beneath deciduous trees, where the foliage can die back naturally after flowering. Like many bulbs from damp habitats, it is happiest where it does not bake dry in summer.

• Hardiness: H6, approximately -20 to -15°C
• Height: 20–30 cm
• Spread: 20–30 cm
• Flowers: February–April
• Soil: Moist, fertile, humus-rich; does not appreciate prolonged drought
• Aspect: Sun or light shade