Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis): Spring-blooming Bulbs

Galanthus nivalis (the snowy or snow-covered Galanthus), the most frequently seen and commonly sold snowdrops are, according to bulb experts Martyn Rix and Roger Phillips, natives of almost the whole of Europe, except for the farthest west, from Russia to Spain and Sicily. The large extravagant drifts familiar to American gardeners from European pictures are usually naturalized areas in England, Scotland, Holland, Belgium and Scandinavia.

The Conservation Status of Galanthus nivalis is rated as Near Threatened (NT), according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Snowdrop bulbs, originally over-collected in their native habitats for sale, are monitored and regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES ) to ensure that wild populations are not endangered by unprincipled sales.

Galanthus in American Landscape Gardens

Carolyn Walker, Galanthophile, (lover of snowdrops) and owner of Carolyn’s Shade Gardens, Bryn Mawr, PA suggests these reasons for underutilization of snowdrops in American landscape gardens.

1. Most American gardeners have access to snowdrops through dried bulbs that originate from cultivated stock in the Netherlands. However, snowdrops often fail to thrive when bought and planted using dried and stored bulbs. The alternative is buying plants ‚”in the green” or summer dormant bulbs from the very few current American suppliers.

2. It is very hard, if not impossible, to import growing plants or fresh bulbs of interesting cultivars from the UK where most originate. The CITES Treaty is very strict about snowdrop sales. CITES certificates (permits) are essential when any CITES-listed species cross any international border. U. K. dealers like the Rare Plants Company no longer have their Galanthus bulbs available for customers in Norway, Switzerland, and the U.S. due to permit costs imposed by the UK government (£60 per item) for this species. American gardeners buying Galanthus from Canadian suppliers need a CITES certificate.

3. Although the common snowdrop is the most often seen species, snowdrops are still relatively unknown in the U.S. market not only because of supply, but also publicity. Bulb companies usually focus on the big money makers, tulips and daffodils. The smaller, often termed ‚”minor,” bulbs are consigned to back pages of catalogs with tiny photos. Often, websites group snowdrops with small early-blooming bulbs in categories such as ‚”Others” or ‚”Miscellaneous.”

4. Snowdrops, with their simple, elegant white presence, don’t have the impact that many American gardeners want. Gardeners need to be developing Galanthophiles – enthusiastic collectors of snowdrops – to prevail over the difficulties and expenses of obtaining snowdrop bulbs with reasonable expectations for growth, against the ease, reasonable prices and garden impact of modern tulips and daffodil hybrids.

Growing Galanthus in Landscape Gardens

An outstanding snowdrop display needs plannlng, and planting in a suitable location with plenty of bulbs and the patience for time enough to allow the bulbs to adapt, naturalize and spread.

With these simple parameters in mind, designed plantings of Galanthus nivalis fit nicely into small spaces such as enclosed courtyards, surrounding patios and entrance gardens. Experiments to see if small snowdrop plantings succeed and naturalize can be developed along woodland paths, stream banks and rocky ledges.