Snowdrop flowers (Galanthus spp.) are a beloved early spring bulb providing a cheerful white blossom when most gardens are still dormant. Their nodding, bell-shaped blooms on short stems are a welcome sight after winter. If you want to add snowdrops to your own garden you’ll be happy to know snowdrop flower bulbs are available for sale from several reputable online retailers.
What are Snowdrop Flowers?
Snowdrops are early spring ephemerals, meaning they bloom for a short period in late winter or early spring before going dormant for the summer They are native to Europe and the Middle East There are approximately 20 species of snowdrops, with Galanthus nivalis being the most common.
As the bulbs grow, they make happy, nodding white flowers with six petal-like tepals and green markings on the inner petals. The flowers rise on short, 4- to 6-inch stems above a pair of grayish-green leaves. As the bulbs get older, they grow into dense clumps and spread slowly through underground rhizomes and bulb division.
When and Where to Plant Snowdrop Bulbs
Snowdrop bulbs are planted in fall, typically October-November. They perform best in zones 3-8. Snowdrops thrive in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. They prefer partial shade but will tolerate full sun in cool summer climates. Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep and 3 inches apart.
Woodland gardens, rock gardens, borders, and paths are all good places to put snowdrops. They provide an attractive groundcover and naturalize well. Snowdrops do well even in lawns in cool places where the grass stays dormant until spring.
Where to Buy Snowdrop Flower Bulbs
Snowdrop bulbs can be purchased from various online specialty bulb retailers as well as larger retailers like Home Depot. Here are some top options for buying snowdrop flower bulbs for sale:
Breck’s
One of the best places to buy snowdrop bulbs online is Breck’s. They offer the following snowdrop varieties:
- Early Snowdrops – $16-60 per 10 bulbs
- Double Snowdrops – $20-70 per 10 bulbs
- Snow Fox Giant Snowdrops – $15 for 5 bulbs
- Beluga Giant Snowdrops – $15 for 5 bulbs
- Polar Bear Giant Snowdrops – $15 for 5 bulbs
Breck’s bulbs are top size, packaged and shipped fresh and ready for fall planting. Their snowdrops receive high ratings from customers.
Home Depot
Home Depot sells packs of 25 Galanthus nivalis snowdrop bulbs for $33 under the Van Zyverden brand. This works out to just $1.30 per bulb, an excellent value. Home Depot has a wide reach across the U.S. making snowdrops accessible to many gardeners.
John Scheepers
This specialty bulb company offers common snowdrops as well as unique varieties like ‘Florist’s Treasure’ and giant snowdrops. 5 bulbs cost $9.50 to $14.50 depending on variety. Larger packs are available.
Dutch Gardens
This catalog retailer provides 25 common snowdrop bulbs for $29.99. Bulk packs of 100 bulbs start at $69.99.
Eden Brothers
Buy snowdrop bulbs here for just $1. 95 per bulb when you purchase 10 or more. They also sell mixed packs of different snowdrop varieties.
What to Look for When Buying Bulbs
When shopping for snowdrop bulbs, here are some tips:
- Look for bulbs labeled as “top size” or the largest bulb grade. Larger bulbs produce more flowers.
- Reputable retailers like those above ship fresh, undried bulbs ideal for fall planting.
- Consider buying named varieties like ‘Florist’s Treasure’ or giant snowdrops for unique flower forms.
- Bulk packs offer the most savings per bulb. Just be sure you can plant all bulbs promptly.
- If buying mixes, ensure bulbs are packaged separately so planting depths can be varied.
Caring for Snowdrops
Snowdrops are relatively low maintenance but provide best flower production with proper care:
- Plant bulbs promptly in fall at recommended depth.
- Water well after planting and provide 1 inch of water weekly in droughts.
- Apply organic bulb fertilizer or low nitrogen fertilizer in early spring.
- Remove spent foliage a few weeks after blooming is finished.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years after foliage dies back to propagate.
- Watch for slugs, snails and bulb flies which may attack bulbs or foliage.
Enjoying Snowdrops in Your Garden
Adding a patch of snowdrop bulbs to your garden is an easy way to brighten up late winter. The nodding white blooms provide texture and color when most plants are still dormant. Snowdrops combine nicely with early crocuses, winter aconite and other spring ephemerals. Plant some snowdrop bulbs this fall and enjoy their cheerful blooms next spring!
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Why We Love Snowdrops (Galanthus)
- Theyre hardy and adaptable, thriving in shade and naturalize effortlessly.
- Galanthus blooms herald the arrival of spring with delicate snowdrops.
- The flowers bring joy to the winter garden because they stand for hope and new life.
A Simple Guide to Growing Snowdrops
FAQ
What is the best month to plant snowdrops?
The ideal time to plant snowdrop bulbs is during the autumn season, usually between September and November.
When should I buy snowdrop bulbs?
When to buy snowdrops in the green. Snowdrops in the green are usually available to pre-order online or by mail order in January (sought-after varieties may sell out) and are sent out in February or March.
Why are snowdrop bulbs so expensive?
Yet the prices equate to rarity – as they do with any plant. A plant with few bulbs in circulation will be more expensive than one with multiple sellers and plentiful supply. When a new variety comes out, prices are high at first, but they quickly drop as more are grown. This is especially true if the variety becomes popular and easy to grow.
Do snowdrops come back every year?
They are a winter flowering, fully hardy perennial bulb. Planted in the right place, snowdrops will return and flower in your garden year after year. Snowdrops are a woodland plant, which means their ideal growing conditions are partial shade, moist but well-drained soil.
What are Snowdrop bulbs?
Snowdrop bulbs are one of the first bulbs to flower in late winter. Galanthus Elwesii, specifically, is characterized by two green spots on the inner petals. Snowdrop bulbs are an early winter blooming bulb.
Do Snowdrop bulbs bloom early?
The small genus Galanthus includes snowdrops. They bloom very early, and their pretty white flowers are very welcome as the snow melts. The bulbs thrive in rich, woodsy soil, and deer and voles avoid them. White Flower Farm offers a wide range of Snowdrop bulbs for fall planting.
What do Snowdrop bulbs symbolize?
They’re hardy and adaptable, thriving in shade and naturalize effortlessly. Galanthus blooms herald the arrival of spring with delicate snowdrops. The flowers symbolize hope and renewal, bringing joy to the winter garden. Fall bulbs are now in stock! Shop our collection of snowdrop bulbs (also known as glanthus).
Where do snowdrops grow?
This narrow-leafed snowdrop is very popular in North America, the British Isles, and northern France. Its hanging flowers are very pretty and have milk-white green tips. Its makes for an excellent deciduous woodland plant and is also commonly know as the “flower of hope.
What is a snowdrop genus?
Possibly one of the most popular of all commercially cultivated bulbous plants, the genus is rather varied in height, flower size, shape, and even coloring. This narrow-leafed snowdrop, with its delicate milk-white green tipped hanging flowers, is very popular in North America, the British Isles, and northern France.
Are plantcetera Snowdrop bulbs in good condition?
The Plantcetera Snowdrop bulbs are in wonderful condition! Bulbs are fresh, firm and full. None of the bulbs are dried or crumbling! Arrived just in time for mid October and November planting. Along with the bulbs came an envelope which held a card; on it is printed a nice photo of the mature flower and planting / care instructions.