Snowdrops are among the first bulbs to bloom in spring and can form impressive carpets of white in areas where they are native or have been naturalised.

Galanthus nivalis is widely grown in gardens. It is considered naturalised in Great Britain, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and parts of North America (Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Ontario, Massachusetts, Alabama, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Washington state, New York state, Michigan, Utah, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina).

Galanthus nivalis grows to around 7-15 cm tall, flowering between January and April in the northern temperate zone (January-May in the wild). They are perennial, herbaceous plants which produce bulbs.

G. nivalis is a cross-pollinating plant, but sometimes self-pollination takes place. It is visited by pollinators.

In the UK and Ireland, many gardens open specially in February for visitors to admire the flowers. These displays may attract large numbers of sightseers.

Type: Hardy perennial

Height: 15cm

Location: Sun or shade

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Seeds per packet: 10