Snowdrops are highly valued by nature lovers, as the delicate plants are among the first signs of spring. The small white flower bells bloom exactly when fresh greenery is still rare. You can now find this pretty plant in green areas as well as in gardens and released into the wild in sparse forests.
Why is the snowdrop the plant of the month?
The snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is the plant of the month because it is one of the first signs of spring to bloom in green areas, gardens and forests. It grows 10-30 cm high, prefers moist, nutrient-rich soil and produces heat that melts the snow.
Plant profile:
- Botanical name: Galanthus nivalis (Translated: flower from the snow)
- Order: Asparagus-like
- Family: Amaryllis family
- Genus: Snowdrop
- Growth: Herbaceous perennial plant that forms bulbs as a storage organ.
- Growth height: 10 to 30 centimeters
- Main flowering period: February to April
- Leaf: Light to medium green, tapering
- Flower: Single, double to heavily double
- Flower shape: Bell-shaped
- Flower color: white
- Fruit: capsule fruits
Special features
As it grows, the snowdrop generates heat, which melts the surrounding snow. This means that the plant itself ensures sufficient water supply.
Origin
The snowdrop thrives wildly in southwest Asia and Europe. It can also be found in North America, but here it only grows in the wild.
Location and care
Winter and early-blooming snowdrops prefer a protected, full-sun location. Varieties that only bloom in late spring can be placed in a partially shaded spot.
Substrate
The soil should be sufficiently moist, nutrient-rich and not too acidic. Even in the summer months, the earth must not dry out completely.
Care
The snowdrop is completely undemanding. It grows well without horticultural care, grows wild and forms large carpets of flowers over the years.
Once the plants have bloomed, you can loosen the soil around the small bulbs a little and enrich very heavy soils with sand.
A cut is not necessary. Give the snowdrop a rest period and leave the yellowing leaves on the plant until the foliage withers and dies on its own.
Diseases and pests
Snowdrops are occasionally affected by gray mold rot. The spring bloomers then appear to be covered by a fine, gray veil. They die as a result. The wrong location is usually to blame for the fungal infestation.
Unfortunately there is little that can be done against him. Do not plant any more snowdrops in this spot as the fungus remains in the soil and would spread to newly planted plants.
The daffodil fly or snails rarely cause problems with the early bloomers.
Tip
The alkaloid galantamine contained in the onion is used in conventional medicine to treat dementia and memory disorders. However, we strongly advise against consuming all parts of the plant, as galantamine has a toxic effect and can lead to serious poisoning!
