Plant guide

Snowdrop.

Galanthus nivalis

Pronounced guh-LAN-thus niv-AH-liss

Also known as Bucaneve, Common Snowdrop, Flower of Hope

Snowdrops are charming little bulbs that often pop up while snow is still on the ground. They bring a welcome splash of white to the garden during the late winter months. These hardy perennials naturalize well in woodland settings or under deciduous trees.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Bulbous perennial
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 6 to 9 inches
Growth rate: Slow

Care

Plant your bulbs in the fall in a spot that gets plenty of sun before the trees leaf out. Keep the soil consistently moist but well drained during their active growing season. Watch for yellowing leaves as they go dormant, which is a normal part of their cycle.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while the plant is actively growing and flowering.
Feeding: Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer once in the early spring as new growth appears.
Pruning: Only remove the foliage once it has turned yellow and died back naturally.
Repotting: Divide and replant clumps every few years if they become too crowded.
Soil: Moist, well drained, humus rich soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline

Safety

Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, potentially causing vomiting or diarrhea.

How to identify it

Dangling white bell shaped flowers
Three inner petals with green markings
Narrow linear grey green leaves
Emerges from small underground bulbs

Science

Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Galanthus
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your snowdrop looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.