GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Snowdrop

Galanthus nivalis · Bulb

Hardiness
H5 Hardy — cold winter (to −10 to −15°C)
Position
Partial shade
Height × Spread
7–15 cm × —
Soil
moist, but well-drained soil with leafmould or garden compost incorporated
Flowering
January–April
Toxicity
contains galantamine and GNA (Galanthus nivalis agglutinin), which is insecticidal

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower

Watch out for

Snowdrop grey mould (Botrytis galanthina): Remove infected material promptly and ensure good air circulation around plants.

Narcissus bulb fly: Apply a granular insecticide to the soil in early spring or lift bulbs to check for larvae.

Slugs and snails: Use slug pellets, beer traps, or hand-pick pests at night to protect young foliage.

Vine weevil: Apply a systemic insecticide drench in autumn or use nematodes to control larvae in the soil.

Bulb rot: Plant in well-drained soil and avoid waterlogging to prevent fungal infection.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/snowdrop © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia