How to Plant Snowdrops
More in Outdoors
Highlights:
The delicate, nodding white heads of snowdrops are a heart-warming sight; their flowering is one of the first signs that spring is on its way. Suitable for shady, moist, well-drained sites, they are ideal for planting in clumps under trees.
Materials needed:
snowdrop bulbs or fully grown plants
trowel or hand fork
spade
horticultural grit or sharp sand (optional)
watering can or garden hose
Choose your plants.
The best time to buy or to dig up and divide snowdrops is when they are in full leaf, either in full bloom or just after. Use a trowel or hand fork to dig them up, being careful not to damage the bulbs.
Gently separate the clumps of bulbs with your hands.
If the plant is still in flower, the blooms should be picked off to help conserve the energy of the plant. Divide large clumps into clusters of about three or four bulbs.
Dig a hole.
Use a trowel or spade to about 4 to 6 inches deep, ideally under the canopy of the tree or in light shade. If the soil in the area is heavy or badly drained, it may be necessary to add horticultural grit or sharp sand.
Plant (or replant) the bulbs.
Ensure that most of the leaf is above ground. Fill around the bulbs with soil, and gently firm in. Water the plants in well. Leave them to die back in their first year; in later years, mow after the leaves have died back.
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Simple Steps to Success: Lawns and Groundcover © 2012 Dorling Kindersley Limited
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