What a wonderful sight when snowdrops appear through frozen ground marking the first glimmer of hope that spring is on its way.
The best time to plant snowdrops is in the spring. Bulbs are best planted in-the-green after they have finished flowering and before the leaves have died down. The reason for this is that snowdrops stand a better chance of establishing themselves rather than if planted dry and rootless in the autumn.
Bluebells are another flowering bulb that benefit from being planted this way too. Make sure that the bulbs are sourced from a reputable supplier and look for native bulbs grown from cultivated stock.
Bulbs available ‘in-the-green’ Galanthus nivalis (Single Snowdrop). This is the most popular snowdrop variety and the most common.
Best planted in swathes rather than blocks as this achieves a more natural look.
Galanthus nivalis flore pleno (Double Snowdrop) A double flowering version of the single snowdrop. Double snowdrops are just as hardy and can be treated in exactly the same way as single snowdrops.
Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite) deep golden yellow flowers appear early in the year and over time will carpet the ground. Suited to woodland, grass and borders .
Hyacinthoides non scripta (English Bluebells) These are the true English Bluebells, recognizable by their lovely, deep violet-blue flowers that hang to one side. They have a wonderful scent and when planted in a woodland setting also create a beautiful blue haze.
