Everyone knows this short, beautiful plant, the first to come to life in the gardens after winter. At first, the snowdrop releases a couple of leaves, and soon its flowers bloom with drooping white bells. They are not afraid of either snow or spring frosts. And now a lot of white bells are decorating the garden ... If there are no snowdrops on your flower beds yet, be sure to plant them. They will be the first to announce to you that spring has come. And planting and caring for snowdrops is not at all difficult. In this post, we will share the details of growing snowdrops.
Snowdrops. © Mothfather
Botanical description of the plant
Snowdrop, Galanthus (Latin Galanthus)- genus of perennial grasses of the Amaryllidaceae family.
The genus unites about 18 species common in the nature of Central and Southern Europe, Crimea, the Caucasus and Asia Minor. Most snowdrops, about 16 species, are found in the Caucasus. The exact number of plant species usually does not exist. The fact is that botanists often cannot agree on whether the found plant should be attributed to a new species or whether it differs too little from the representatives of the already known .
The snowdrop has two linear leaves 10-20 cm long, which appear simultaneously with the peduncles. Flowers are solitary, bell-shaped, drooping. White perianth of six leaves: three outer ones - elliptical or obovate, inner ones - wedge-shaped, at the apex - with a green spot, with or without a notch.
As a rule, snowdrop flowers have a very pleasant, but weak scent. Fruits are round, fleshy capsules with three compartments, where a few black seeds are stored. The seeds have a succulent appendage to attract ants, which pull the seeds and spread the plants.
Snowdrop bulbs are ovoid or conical. The bulb is a compact group of thick scales (modified leaves), planted on a common thick base - the bottom (modified stem). In the axils of the scales, small buds are laid, which give rise to daughter bulbs. The upper scales are thin, dry, usually dark and protect the bulb from damage.
The snowdrop bulb itself serves to accumulate nutrients so that the plant can survive the unfavorable environmental conditions at rest. Dormancy can last up to nine months a year, and the plant is able to bloom rapidly at the first opportune moment. Snowdrop bulb is covered with light brown or brown skin.
Without exception, all representatives of the genus of snowdrops are protected plants, and some rare species are on the verge of extinction, and they can be saved by growing in culture.
The snowdrop got its name for the plant's ability to break out of the ground and bloom with the first warm spring rays of the sun, when the snow melts slightly. The Latin name of the snowdrop is "Galanthus" (Galanthus), presumably, has Greek roots, in translation means "milk flower". Probably, this name reflects the delicate snow-white color of the snowdrop.
There are many legends about snowdrops. One of them says that when God expelled Adam and Eve from Paradise, it was winter on Earth and it was snowing. Eve froze and began to cry. She sadly recalled the warm paradise gardens. To comfort her, God turned several snowflakes into snowdrop flowers. So the first flowers on Earth may have been snowdrops.
Snowdrop. © Tom Mitchell Planting snowdrops
The best time to buy and plant bulbs is July-September when the plants are at rest. With a long and warm autumn, the time allowed for planting stretches until early November. In the amateur market, snowdrops are often sold in bloom, this is not very good for them: immediately after planting, the leaves wither, turn yellow, then die off completely. But the bulb, although weakened, remains alive. True, the next year such plants bloom weakly or may not bloom at all, but they still do not die.
Choosing healthy bulbs
When buying dormant snowdrop bulbs, be sure to check their condition. They should be dense and heavy, with intact membranes, without overgrown roots and stems. However, overgrown roots and stems are still permissible, only such a bulb must be urgently planted. Cuts on the bulb are also acceptable, but only on the scales. The bottom should not be damaged, and care must be taken that the wounds are dry and not affected by mold.
Even bulbs with a cut off top (the upper parts of the scales), but an intact bottom and buds, remain viable. You should not buy only broken and crumpled onions. Soft areas on the bottom or on the sides, especially with a peeled shell, indicate decay. It is almost impossible to cure decayed snowdrop bulbs.
Snowdrop bulbs do not tolerate prolonged drying. It is better not to keep them in the air for more than a month, and if it is not possible to plant them, then sprinkle them with sawdust, shavings, etc. and put them in a plastic bag with perforations. In this form, they usually go on sale and are stored for 2-3 months.
Landing features
The bulbs are planted according to the general rule: in loose soil to a depth equal to two bulbs, in heavy soil - to a depth of one. But in any case, no shallower than 5 cm. Snowdrops themselves regulate the planting depth. If they are planted too deep, they form a new bulb on the peduncle, already at the depth they need. In general, strict adherence to the planting depth for small-bulbous is not necessary. It's just that when they are shallow in the ground, the bulbs become smaller, but they actively form children, and when they are deep, they become larger.
Location: in shaded, but warmed up by the sun places, on soils with good drainage; when transplanting wild species, choose a more illuminated place.
Temperature: winter-hardy culture.
The soil: thrive best on sufficiently moist, loose, well-drained nutrient soil after applying humus or compost. High, dry and low, with stagnant water, snowdrops do not tolerate areas. Heavy clay soils require the addition of sand.
Watering: watering young plants after germination; then watered only if there is little rain.
Snowdrops. © Pauline and John Grimshaw
Snowdrop care
Snowdrop leaves should not be cut until they die off completely. During active growth, liquid inorganic fertilizers are applied. Fertilizers with a high nitrogen content are undesirable. It is better if they contain more potassium and phosphates. A large amount of nitrogen causes excessive leaf formation, which in wet weather can become the basis for fungal diseases. Potassium contributes to the formation of healthy, well-wintering bulbs, and phosphorus is especially beneficial for flowering.
During active growth, small-bulbous ones consume a lot of water. Nature usually provides sufficient watering at the right time, but if the winter has little snow or the spring is dry, the grower will have to water the plants himself. Watering snowdrops is not a very cumbersome task, they are quite drought tolerant and will not die anyway. Only grow up short.
After collecting seeds, you can forget about them. In the future, snowdrops do not need care until the end of the season. However, they can sow seeds themselves. This is how naturalization begins.
Reproduction of snowdrops
Plants reproduce vegetatively, forming one or two bulbs over the summer. The folded snowdrop reproduces especially actively: 3-4 bulbs are formed in it. Snowdrops are transplanted after the leaves die off in late August and early September. Plants transplanted in spring during flowering almost always die. The transplant should be carried out after five to six years, but snowdrops grow well in one place without transplanting and for a longer time.
Reproduction of snowdrop and seeds is possible. Sowing is carried out directly into the ground immediately after collection, while the plants bloom in the 4th-5th year. Planted on lawns under the canopy of trees and shrubs, they reproduce by self-seeding.
Snowdrops in garden landscape
Snowdrops are very decorative in large groups, not only in rock gardens, but also in the form of "carpets" under trees and shrubs in light partial shade, as well as in the form of white lawns among the lawn. Miniature bouquets of snowdrops can stand in water for a long time, and with a simple arrangement in crystal vases, they look attractive and expressive.
It is advisable to plant snowdrops together in small groups, 10-30 pieces each. The disadvantage of these flowers is the early death of the aerial part. But it is easily overcome in a flower garden, where it is preferable to keep plants that are tolerant of shading and do not tolerate drying out during the dormant period.
Snowdrops are planted between bushes of slowly growing perennials with spreading leaves, for example, host, peonies. They also successfully complement late growing perennials. The main thing is that the snowdrops are illuminated during the growing season at least part of the day.
To simulate the natural corners of nature in gardens and parks, snowdrops are often planted under shrubs and deciduous trees, placing them on the illuminated side. In the resting stage, they can tolerate any shading. It is better not to rake the leaves fallen from the trees: the plants easily break through them in the spring, and they do not interfere with them at all. In addition, rotted snowdrop leaves are a good natural top dressing, and, in addition, they retain increased moisture in the upper soil layer. If the leaves get in the way for some reason, they must be removed in the fall, so as not to damage the overgrown plants in the spring.
Snowdrops are recommended to be planted to create early flowering groups in the shade in combination with spines, corydalis, lungwort, primrose. You can also use snowdrops in mixed plantings with medium and tall late growing perennials: ferns, hosta, peonies.
Snowdrops in the park. © Alistair Hood Types of snowdrops
Galanthus snow (snow-white snowdrop) - Galanthus nivalis. Grows wild in the south of the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Europe and the Mediterranean. Bulbous, early spring plant with flat dark green or glaucous leaves up to 10 cm long. The bulb is round, up to 2 cm in diameter. Peduncles up to 12 cm tall. Flowers are solitary, up to 3 cm in diameter, with a pleasant aroma, drooping, white with a green spot at the ends of the tepals. The outer tepals are oblong, the inner ones are wedge-shaped, less than the outer ones. Blooms before all snowdrops, in late March-early April for about 30 days.
Galanthus (snowdrop) Caucasian - Galanthus caucasicus... Grows wild in the Caucasus and northern Iran. A plant with flat, linear, gray leaves, up to 30 cm long. Peduncles up to 10 cm tall. The flowers are white, 2-2.5 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter, with a pleasant aroma. Inner perianth lobes with a green spot at the end of the petals. Blooms from early April for two weeks. Fruiting irregularly. In the middle lane it winters under light cover. In culture since 1887.
Galanthus (snowdrop) folded - Galanthus plicatus. Usually grows wildly in the Mountainous Crimea. Endemic to Crimea and Moldova. One of the largest representatives of the genus. Leaves at the beginning of flowering with a bluish bloom, later - shiny, dark green. Peduncles up to 16 cm tall. Flowers 2.5-3 cm long and up to 4 cm in diameter. Blooms in March 20-25 days. Bulbs are ovoid up to 3 cm in diameter. The leaves are stored with solar energy until the end of June, then die off.
Galanthus (snowdrop) broadleaf - Galanthus plathyphyllus... It grows naturally in the Eastern and Western Transcaucasia. One of the most promising snowdrops for the northern zone. Leaves without bluish bloom. Flowers about 3 cm long and up to 4 cm in diameter, with a faint aroma. Blooms from early April for a month. Conical or ovoid-conical bulbs, 5x3 cm.
Galanthus (snowdrop) Elves - Galanthus EIwesii... Originally from Asia Minor. This is a tall species, the peduncles of which can reach a height of 15-25 cm. The leaves of this species are wide, sometimes up to 2 cm, bluish-green in color. The flowers are white, large, spherical. It blooms earlier than the snowdrop snowdrop, in February.
Galanthus (snowdrop) Voronov - Galanthus woronowii. Bulb with a diameter of 3 cm, with yellowish outer scales. The stem is 20-25 cm high, slightly ribbed, the leaves are linear, gradually sharpening, with a thickening at the apex, light green, at first flat, 20-25 cm in length, after flowering outgrowing the stem and becoming folded (folds are wrapped on the outer side of the leaf). It blooms in late February-March, and under favorable conditions, in January. Leaves appear at the same time as flowers. It grows in the forests of the lower and middle mountain zones in Western Transcaucasia - from Tuapse to Batumi and further along the Black Sea coast of Turkey, as well as on about. Ikaria in the Aegean Sea.
Snowdrops. © PAMELA-ANN Diseases and pests of snowdrops
Mice and moles. They can damage snowdrop bulbs by digging their burrows underground. Mice, moreover, can simply carry the whole bulbs into their burrows. Bulbs damaged by rodents sometimes rot, as evidenced by weak growth and a depressed appearance of the plant in spring. Then the snowdrop bulbs are dug up and the decayed parts are cut off, the damaged area is covered with ash and left open for several hours to dry the wound.
You can protect yourself from mice if you do not leave sod with grass or clumps of perennials at a distance of 3 m from the beds, where these mice can settle. The mice do not move further than 3 m from the nest. If such an arrangement of landings is not possible, then you will have to set up traps. For moles - according to the instructions, for vegetarian mice - with vegetable bait.
Shovel butterflies and their caterpillars. The thick gray caterpillars of the scoop butterflies also spoil the bulbs. They can be found and harvested in the fall, during weeding, when they are preparing to pupate.
Slugs. Underground slugs can settle in rich or heavy clay soils. To get rid of them, it is necessary to surround the snowdrop bulb with a layer of coarse sand when planting or use a special slug repellent.
Bulbous nematode. It is a very thin small worm that lives in the soil and dead plant parts. It can also infect live bulbs. Irregularly shaped yellowish tumors appear along the edges of the snowdrop leaves; a dark ring separating the healthy part from the affected part is visible on the cut of the bulb. In this case, diseased plants are destroyed, the rest are dug up and soaked for 3-4 hours in rather hot water: 40-45 ° C. And on an empty site for the next 4-5 years, bulbs are not planted.
Viruses. Pale yellow, light green marks on snowdrop leaves in the vicinity of an uneven, lumpy surface or unnatural curling indicate infection with viruses. It is better to destroy the affected plant as soon as possible, before it becomes a source of infection for others. But viruses, as a rule, do not enter the seeds, so that the affected species can be healed simply by reseeding.
Fungal diseases. Brown or black marks on snowdrop leaves, fluffy gray patches of plaque that usually appear in warm and damp weather at soil level and then rise higher and grow, indicate the appearance of a fungal disease: rust and gray mold. The affected parts must be torn off and burned, and diseased plants should be treated with fungicides as soon as possible according to the instructions.
Chlorosis. The yellowing of snowdrop leaves is usually caused by bulb damage, disease, poor drainage or growing conditions, not a lack of any nutrients in the soil.
Do you have snowdrops in your garden? We look forward to your feedback and advice on growing these wonderful plants!
It is difficult to find a person who does not know what snowdrops look like, because this is the first flower of the spring season. This bulbous plant comes from the genus Amaryllis. Snowdrop is a frost-resistant flower that blooms every year even before the snow crust disappears from the ground. Galanthus (as the snowdrop is called in another way) is distinguished by its diminutiveness, tenderness. Today, there are 20 varieties of this plant. It is often used to create unique landscaping designs. Most varieties of snowdrop flowers are white. The best places for their germination will be: deciduous forest, meadows, shrubs, botanical garden. A detailed description of the plant is contained in the Red Book.
About the history of the plant
The existence of a snowdrop has been known to mankind since the first millennium. This, in particular, is evidenced by the tradition to call the snowdrop "milk flower". In the Middle Ages, they began to associate it with purity and purity. The widespread distribution and transplantation of plants around the world began in the 19th century. Officially, the plant received the first "registration address" in England, because it was there that it was entered in the corresponding register of local plants. It happened in 1984.
Why is it grown
The landscape is completely transformed when the snowdrops are in bloom. This plant is stretched out with a green rug, which you constantly want to admire. The incredible decorative appearance of the plant is the main reason that makes people grow and care for the flower, protect it and put it in the Red Book.
Since galanthuses are poisonous plants rich in active alkaloids, they are also often used in medicine. Extracted from the plant, components are often used to treat conditions such as:
- oncological diseases;
- polyneuritis;
- nerve injury;
- myopathy;
- furuncle;
- fungal diseases;
- intestinal atony.
Plant characteristic
Snowdrop is a perennial plant with a fairly short growing season (it depends on the plant's height above sea level). The seed is the bulb. It is small in diameter (only 2-3 cm) and consists of scales that are added every year. Separate oblong leaves extend from each bulb.
Snowdrop
They appear almost simultaneously with the buds, however, during the flowering period, they are much shorter than the peduncle. After the completion of the flowering process, the leaves continue to grow and can reach a length of 15-20 cm and a width of up to 3 cm. Depending on the type of flower, the appearance of the leaves may differ slightly: be yellowish, light green or dark green. Some types of Galanthus boast shiny leaves, while others are matte or waxed.
The peduncle has a regular cylindrical shape. As for the perianth, it contains 6 leaflets. Three of them are internal and three are external.
On a note. The first ones grow in length up to 15-30 mm, have a pure white color and an elliptical shape. The lower ones are much smaller, stick together more, and have green spots at the end.
The fruit of a snowdrop is a fleshy capsule containing a spherical seed.
It is possible to confuse the Galanthus flower with some other spring flowers, in particular, with: white flower (differs in growth up to 20-30 cm and white with bell flowers), anemone (has the same color as Galanthus, but flowers of a different shape are more open and without inner petals), poultry (blooms simultaneously with galanthuses, however, the shape of the flowers is star-shaped).
Types of snowdrops
There are 20 species of galanthus in nature. In addition, each of them has its own forms. The most popular varieties of the plant will be indicated below.
Snowdrop snow-white
The most popular of all Galanthus varieties. It is often found in the mountains of Southern Europe, the Alpine and middle belt of the Ciscaucasia. Snow-white snowdrop is distinguished by dark green and flat leaves. The height of the peduncle is traditionally 12 cm, and the flowers themselves are 30 mm. Flowers are single, white. An analysis of the flower reveals that the tips of its inner petals are colored green. This species has approximately 60 garden forms. Most popular varieties: Scharlockii, Lutescens, Arnott.
Snowdrop snow-white
Snowdrop Voronov
The plant is recognized as endemic to the Caucasus. You can meet him on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, including Turkey. The leaves of the flower are light green with a yellowish tint. They show the characteristic oily sheen of the variety. Voronov's snowdrop blooms very early - in late January-early February. Flowers have a delicate pleasant scent. The petals are delicate cream in color with greenish edges.
Folded snowdrop
You can meet this in nature in the mountains of Romania, Moldova and Crimea. A feature of the species is its particularly large growth. Only the peduncle itself can reach 25 cm. In addition, the folded snowdrop has an inwardly curved edge of deciduous plates. Flowers of this species reach 30 mm in length and are distinguished by a rather sharp aroma.
Folded snowdrop
Siberian snowdrop
Among others, it is distinguished by rather wide basal leaves of a bright green color. The shape of the flowers is a bell. They smell delicate and reach a diameter of 2 cm. Siberian snowdrop boasts an unusual blue-violet color. Against the background of snowdrifts, such a plant, no doubt, is very advantageous. It begins to bloom in February, about 10-15 days before the arrival of spring.
Blue snowdrop
Another name for the plant is two-leaved snowdrop. In nature, the flower can be found in the Caucasus, the Mediterranean, the European part of Russia. The blue snowdrop blooms even earlier than the Siberian one - in early or mid-February. As the name suggests, the flowers are deep blue. Although the variety is relatively low, it is abundantly flowering. On rich, loose soils, the plant noticeably increases all parts and the number of inflorescences - up to 20 pieces.
Blue snowdrop
Snowdrops purple
Most often they are found along the shores of Lake Baikal. A distinctive characteristic of the plant is the purple color of flower petals. The edges of the inner leaves are bright yellow. The plant itself is relatively small in appearance - up to 15-18 cm. Often this type of snowdrops is confused with forest bells.
Blue snowdrop
The plant got its popular name because of its external color. In the scientific literature, it can often be found under the name "scilla". Unpretentious to conditions and soil, both the Far East and Siberia are ideal for him. The height of the whole plant is about 10-12 cm. It begins to delight with its blue fragile flowers from mid-March.
Blue snowdrop
Calling the most popular varieties of snowdrops, one cannot fail to mention such species: garden snowdrop, Elvis's snowdrop, Ikarian, Cilician, Caucasian, Bortkevich's snowdrop.
How to plant and care
The necessary conditions
Galanthus will grow best if the seed is placed in moist, loose soil with a neutral acidity level. The flower does not tolerate dry soil and stagnant water. It is useful to add compost and humus to the soil. If the soil is too heavy, it is worth adding sand to it. If it is possible to choose a specific place for the growth of Galanthus, then it is better that it be a sunny and open area or partial shade.
Experts call the period from July to September the best time for landing in open ground. If the temperature regime in the region is particularly warm, then it is allowed to plant the plant until the end of October. It is best to place the bulbs in the soil in whole groups. The optimal distance between bushes is 3 cm.
Planting a snowdrop
Plants do not require replanting and can reproduce in the same place for several years in a row. If there is a need for a premature transplant, you need to place the snowdrop in a new place along with a lump of earth.
Important! To prevent early dying off of the aerial part, it is recommended to plant galanthuses between perennial flowers and bushes.
Galanthuses can also be grown indoors. To do this, in the fall, strong bulbs are selected and planted in pots: 7-8 pieces in one. Sufficient immersion depth is 3-4 cm. Plant pots should be stored in basements. During the entire storage period, the temperature must be maintained at + 3-4 ° C. During the period when the plant should bloom, it is brought into the room. The optimum temperature for long-term flowering is + 15 ° С.
How a plant is formed
In the wild, the plant reproduces on its own - by seeds. After a few years, a strong mother bulb appears in Galanthus. Every year new bulbs will sprout from its scales. Leaves and arrows sprout from the main bulb. White flowers appear in early spring. Galanthus blooms in the 4-5th year. After flowering, the foliage dies off and falls off on its own, and the root system of the plant is gradually restored.
Breeding features
Snowdrops can be propagated in two main ways:
- Seeds. They are sown without any prior preparation. True, the result can be noticed only after 4-5 years. The flower can multiply by self-sowing.
- Daughter bulbs. Typically, the bulb receives one or two babies every year. They should be planted immediately after separation. You can add a little humus to the hole prepared for the bulb. It will be possible to look at the result of your work in 2 years.
Snowdrop care
Proper plant care involves feeding. During the period of plant growth, liquid mineral compositions are introduced into the soil. It is necessary that they have enough potassium (promotes the formation of bulbs) and phosphorus (helps flowering). From organic matter for feeding, compost and humus are best suited.
Important! It is forbidden to feed Galanthus with nitrogen substances, because in combination with damp weather, these can provoke the development of fungal diseases of the plant.
As a rule, all types of snowdrops require a lot of moisture, but they can provide themselves with it on their own. Additionally, it is necessary to water the plant abundantly only if the winter turned out to be with little snow, and the earth itself is very dry.
Watering snowdrops is practically not needed
The statement that the plant needs to be covered for the winter is erroneous. Galanthus perfectly withstands frosts, and the film, on the contrary, can slow down the melting of snow. Those owners who are very worried about the possible freezing of the plant can use the peat layer, but it should not be too thick.
Snowdrop and edelweiss
Snowdrops and edelweiss get along well with each other. Both varieties are spring flowers. They are similar both in the method of planting and in growth. Both plants cover the ground and create green rugs. However, they do not bloom at the same time: the first - at the beginning of spring, the second - at the end. They can successfully complement each other.
When is Snowdrop Day
Since the snowdrop is the first spring flower, it is quite understandable that a separate date is assigned to it in the calendar of important dates - April 19. Although in most countries of the world this plant blooms in late January or early April, nevertheless, the day of snowdrops was postponed to mid-spring, because it was then that the flower can be seen in its historical homeland - in England.
Snowdrop honey: myth or truth
A novelty in the grocery market, which was of great interest to experienced beekeepers and honey lovers, was the so-called snowdrop honey. This, according to the sellers, has a delicate creamy taste and a particularly attractive aroma.
Snowdrop honey
If you delve into this topic in more detail, it becomes clear that such a product cannot be assembled from Galanthus. Snowdrop flowers usually begin to bloom in March or early April. Bees still do not work during such a period, therefore they cannot collect either pollen or nectar from the first flowers. On the packaging of the product, it is indicated that honey is made from the mountain flower kandyk. However, it belongs to herbal plants and has nothing to do with snowdrops. Thus, we can be sure that "snowdrop honey" is more a commercial name than a real product harvested from Galanthus.
Snowdrop or galanthus (Latin Galanthus) is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants of the Amaryllidaceae family. The botanical name comes from the Greek words "gаla" and "anthos", which together mean "milk flower".
Description
Representatives of the genus belong to ephemeroids, i.e. characterized by an extremely short growing season, and the rest of the annual cycle is carried out in the form of a resting underground part.
Snowdrops
A bulb 2 - 3 cm in size consists of thick scales that form annually: two from the lower leaf, one from the base of the assimilating leaves. The scales are planted on the bottom, from which small threadlike roots grow. Daughter bulbs are formed in the maternal sinuses. Two (rarely three) linear or lanceolate, smooth or folded, with a bluish bloom or green leaves form a near-ground bundle that grows from the neck of the bulb simultaneously with the buds. During the flowering period, the leaves are slightly shorter or equal in height to the peduncle, after flowering they grow.
A rounded or flattened arrow is crowned with a bracts and a single drooping bell-shaped flower. The perianth has six leaves: three outer ones - they are larger (15-30 mm), as a rule, elliptical; three inner ones are short, obversely wedge-shaped, with a characteristic green spot at the apex. This spot consists of individual stripes, the number of which in different species changes the overall size and shape of the spot. The fruits are tricuspid capsules in which a few black snowdrop seeds ripen.
Snowdrop structure
The genus contains 18 species and 2 hybrids of natural origin. The most decorative and popular in culture are:
P. alpine(G. alpinus) = P. Caucasian (G. Caucasicus) - a species that grows in nature in the Caucasus. During the flowering period, gray leaves are up to 7 cm long, and after they grow up to 30 cm. Peduncles up to 10 cm high are crowned with a white flower with a green spot up to 2.5 cm. Flowering lasts 2 weeks in April.
P. Elveza(G. elwesii) - tall (up to 25 cm), very decorative species with wide bluish leaves and large spherical flowers. In horticulture, about 15 forms are cultivated.
P. snow-white(G. nivalis) - the species most widespread in the culture in the temperate zone, having about 50 garden forms. The earliest honey plant, at the end of March, it already begins to bloom. This is a low (up to 12 cm) species with gray lanceolate leaves up to 10 cm long and very graceful flowers. Single, drooping flowers are white, with green spots along the edge of the perianth leaves, their diameter is 3 cm.
Snowdrop flower Voronov
P. narrow-leaved(G. angustifolius) - a species similar to the snow-white snowdrop, but much smaller - even with prolonged cultivation.
P. flat-leaved(G. platyphyllus) = Broad-leaved snowdrop (G. latifolius) is a species originally from Transcaucasia, which has perfectly taken root in the northern zone. There is no bluish bloom on the leaves, the flowers are large (up to 4 cm). It blooms for a month, starting in April.
P. folded(G. plicatus) is one of the largest representatives of the genus. The bluish bloom of leaves disappears after flowering, peduncles 16 cm high are crowned with white flowers.
P. Voronova(G. woronowii) - after flowering, the leaves of plants of this species grow and form folds, the stem is high and ribbed, the flower is large, decorative. An early flowering species, at the end of February, leaves with flowers already appear.
Other species are not so popular in culture and are of value only for collectors - P. Ikariae (G. Ikariae), P. Foster (Galanthus fosteri), P. Cilician (G. cilicicus), P. Köne (G. koenenianus), P Lagodekhi (G. lagodechianus), P. Queen Olga (G. reginae-olgae), P. Transcaucasian (G. transcaucasicus), Galanthus trojanus, Galanthus rizehensis, Galanthus peshmenii, Galanthus gracilis, as well as hybrids - Galanthus × allenus × valentinei, etc.
Photo gallery of views
Growing and caring
For growing and caring for snowdrops, both sunny and somewhat shaded areas can be suitable. Too shady places will not allow thawed patches to form, and access to sunlight is required during the growing season.
Like all bulbous plants, Galanthus does not tolerate stagnant water. The soil should be thoroughly drained, loose and sufficiently nutritious - with humus or compost in the composition.
Snowdrop bulbs hibernate in the ground without any problems. It is not necessary to cover the planting of snowdrops, especially since spruce branches prevent the formation of thawed patches in the spring.
A sign of spring - blooming snowdrops
Reproduction
Snowdrop propagation can occur by seeds or daughter bulbs.
To grow snowdrops from seeds, they are sown into the ground to a depth of 1 cm immediately after harvest, the seedlings will bloom from the third year. Self-seeding also gives excellent results and good germination of shoots.
During the summer, 1-2 daughter bulbs are formed on each bulb, in some species - 3-4 daughter bulbs. They should be separated and replanted in August or early September - this is a favorable time when the plant is dormant. The bulbs are immediately planted in the ground; it is not recommended to store them for more than a month, as they do not tolerate overdrying well.
When planting, the "golden rule" of all bulbous plants is in effect - the depth of the planting hole must correspond to three diameters of the bulb.
Snowdrops can grow in one place from 5-6 years and longer.
Snowdrop bulbs
Diseases and pests
Of the diseases for snowdrop, the following are dangerous:
Fungal nature: rust or gray mold attacking leaves and stems. If gray spots are detected, it is necessary to immediately remove the damaged parts or entire plants, and treat the rest of the planting with fungicides.
Viral diseases appear as light, bumpy spots and leaf deformities. Viruses do not penetrate the seeds, so it is sufficient to simply remove the affected plants.
Snowdrop can be damaged by pests:
Bulb nematode- a small worm that infects bulbs. Its presence is indicated by swelling along the edges of the leaves. Diseased plants should be destroyed, and the rest of the bulbs should be dug up and kept in hot (40-45 ° C) water. In the future, drop them off to another place.
Mice and moles damage the bulbs, and special traps are set up to protect plants from rodents.
Caterpillars, scoops, slugs also pose a danger to the bulbs. They can be collected during weeding, and the soil can be treated with special means from these pests.
Snowdrop in group planting with crocus
Use in landscape design
In the garden, snowdrops feel great under trees or shrubs from the illuminated side. Late flowering, especially deciduous perennials in the spring will not interfere with the access of the sun during the active growing season of the plant. Subsequently, growing, they will hide the already at that moment dying off snowdrops leaves, and the shadow they create will not harm the plant at rest.
Plants look good in separate groups of 30, mimicking the corners of the wild, but even carpet planting is possible.
Other spring primroses: crocuses, daffodils, hellebores, hyacinths will become beautiful and contrasting partners to the snow-white snowdrop flowers.
When cut, bouquets of snowdrops look tender and cute in small vases. Ice added to the water will provide a longer flower life.
Many species of snowdrops are endangered, they are listed in the Red Book. Despite the prevalence and unpretentiousness of these plants, often the scale of collection of flowering snowdrops for decorative purposes exceeds the possibilities of their natural reproduction. You can save these species by growing them in culture.
The snowdrop is the first spring flower to rush towards the sun after a long, cold winter. Snowdrop Red Book took under its protection for a long time. We are all delighted at the sight of a small flower, which is considered the news of spring. Despite the fact that the plant is under protection, many people are not stopped by this, and they mercilessly pick flowers. Some will just put it in a vase, and some, before reaching the house, may even throw it away. But hardly anyone thinks that they are causing great damage to the nature that surrounds us. The massive breakdown of flowers leads to a decrease in their number in the wild. It is necessary to constantly inform the population (especially children) about the respect for nature.
Trade is allowed only in flowers that are grown in garden and backyard plots.
There is a beautiful legend that when Eve was expelled from paradise, white snow was falling. She walked, shedding tears, from which the snow melted and snowdrops grew in place of thawed patches. They symbolized the hope of forgiveness. Galanthus ("milk flower", snowdrop) belongs to the genus of perennial grasses of the Amaryllis family. There are 18 species of this plant. The place of distribution is the Caucasus, the Crimean Peninsula, Southern and Central Europe. The largest variety of snowdrops grows in the Caucasus.
General description of snowdrops
Snowdrops are the earliest flowers. They have a rounded bulb about 3 cm with scales of the past years. Flowers have 2-3 oblong, linear, matte or shiny leaves. The growth of leaves and a flower occurs simultaneously. On the outside, the petals are white up to 30 mm long, the inner surfaces are outlined with a greenish rim.
Galanthus in different species has a different shape and color. A very unusual snowdrop is called Elvis. It is spherical in shape. Terry flowers are distinguished by a delicate unforgettable aroma.
Characteristics of snow-white and flat-leaved snowdrop
An excellent representative of the Amarallisov family is the snow-white snowdrop. The description of the snowdrop makes us convinced of this.
The leaves of this flower are different from other species. Their color ranges from light to dark green striped tones. The flower can be of different shapes and shades, depending on the place of growth. The plant growing in Europe has a dark green leaf color, in the Caucasus - light green leaves in the amount of 3 pieces.
Snowdrops
The flower was named "snow-white" by naturalist Karl Linnaeus in 1735. In every European country it was given its own name: in Germany - "snow-white bell", in Spain - "white snowflake", in England - "snow earring".
In the Red Data Book, the flat-leaved snowdrop has a status category of 3, as it is a rare species that is threatened with extinction.
This representative of the flora is up to 20 cm high. The bulbs are 5 cm long and up to 3 cm in diameter. The plant has rich green, flat, smooth and shiny leaves. Their width is about 3 cm. When the snowdrop blooms, the leaves grow up to 15 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. At the end of flowering, they reach a length of 25 cm, and a width of up to 3.5 cm. The place of growth is the Caucasus.
Growing snow-white snowdrop
For their tenderness and beauty, spring flowers began to grow snowdrops in summer cottages and suburban areas. Planting is recommended when the plant does not begin its awakening after winter, or after the leaves have completely bloomed and died. The favorable period lasts from mid-summer to early autumn.
- Planting should be done with bulbs that should not be overdried. Before planting, they can be off the ground for no more than one month.
- Pre-purchased seedlings are stored in a dark, cool place to retain moisture.
- The plant is planted to a depth of 6-7 cm.
- Flowers planted with seeds will delight with flowering not earlier than in three years.
- For good growth and flowering, a snowdrop needs to change its planting site every 5 years.
- The plant is recommended to have abundant watering.
Dangerous and useful properties of snowdrop
Despite its attractiveness and tenderness, the plant has poisonous properties. Galanthus bulbs are poisonous, so animals bypass it, and more than one rodent will not eat it.
Experiments on animals have revealed that alkaloids can cause irritation, hemorrhage in the mucous membrane of the digestive system. In case of poisoning, the number of heart contractions decreases, dizziness begins, and increased production of saliva. For children, they can even pose a mortal danger!
However, this plant has found its way into the medical industry. Voronov's snowdrop bulbs, collected during flowering, have healing properties. The drugs are also poisonous and are used strictly according to the doctor's prescription and prescription. With the help of these drugs, myopathy, myasthenia gravis, bowel and bladder atony are successfully treated. But Galanthus requires a careful and careful attitude towards itself.
If you ask someone to name the first spring flower, then the undoubted answer will be a snowdrop. These cute miniature flowers on the thawed snow evoke delight and tenderness in everyone. Indeed, snowdrops are the first to open their inflorescences after a long cold winter on the lawns near the house or in the forest.
First, two green leaves are shown, and then drooping heads of white inflorescences appear. They are not afraid of snowy weather, frost and night frosts of spring. Therefore, soon snowdrops become a true decoration of any site. In addition, this is a sure sign that winter will soon end and spring is already on the doorstep.
general description
The snowdrop proudly represents the Amaryllidaceae family, a genus of perennial herbaceous plants, numbering almost 18 species. Most of all, flowers have spread in the European region, the Crimean peninsula, the Caucasus and Asia Minor. In the photo you can see different types of snowdrops. However, in the Caucasus, you can find almost 16 varieties of the flower. Snowdrop or Galanthus comes from the Latin Galanthus.
Scientists still cannot come to a consensus on how many plant species there are. Sometimes they cannot even unanimously determine the found flower to any species, existing or emerging.
But in nature, sometimes there are varieties of plants with a pair of elongated leaves of about 10-20 cm and the simultaneous appearance of a peduncle. The shape of the flower is bell-shaped, the inflorescence is drooping down, the flowers grow one by one. The perianth is white and has six leaves. Three of them are external, elliptical, the rest are internal, in the form of a wedge, at the peak of which there is a green spot, possibly the presence of a small notch.
The smell of snowdrop is pleasant, but not strong, and even rather very weak. The shape of the fruit resembles a rounded full box, which has three compartments for storing a small amount of black seeds.
A juicy appendage located on the seeds attracts ants, and they, in turn, pull them apart in all directions, expanding the growth halo.
Flowers have a root system in the form of an ovoid or conical bulb. Outwardly, it resembles a compact collection of thick scales or deformed leaves, fixed on a thick bottom. Daughter bulbs grow from buds located in the axils of the scales.
The upper scales serve to protect against damage; they are thinner, dry and dark in color. Due to the bulb, which is a store of nutrients, the plant perfectly tolerates adverse climatic conditions, being dormant for about 9 months.
Absolutely all types of snowdrops belong to protected objects, moreover, their most rare species are in the stage of extinction, and it is possible to return life to these species only if they are grown in culture.
The name of the flower is of Greek origin, therefore it is translated as a milk flower, which most likely reflects the color of the inflorescence. People say that such a name was given to him for his ability to grow in the snow and bloom with the first breath of spring, regardless of weather conditions.
There are many legends about these amazing delicate flowers. For example, about Adam and Eve. When they were expelled from the Garden of Eden, the winter cold reigned around, and snow was blowing. Eve cried from the cold, remembering the lost warmth of paradise. In her consolation, God created some snowdrops from swarming snowflakes. This means that they are not only the first spring flowers, but also the first flowers on our planet.
Growing features
It is better to purchase bulbs and plant them in the period from July to September, at which time they are at rest. If the autumn is warm, then the planting can be moved until November.
You should not buy plants with blossoming inflorescences, otherwise they will not survive after planting. In this case, the bulb will not die. Bloom in the near future will be sluggish or not bloom at all, but it will be alive.
When buying dormant bulbs, pay attention to their condition. Choose bulbs of a dense structure, weighty, with a whole shell, without stems and rhizomes, with an intact bottom, without mold, dents and deformations. If the bulbs are soft, then they are already rotting.
It is not necessary to store the bulbs of the plant for a long time, they can dry out, since they cannot stand being in the air for more than a month. In the absence of the possibility of timely planting, you need to place them in a perforated bag with sawdust or shavings. Their shelf life in this form will be 2-3 months.
When planting snowdrops, the soil is loosened and the bulbs are lowered into the ground by about 5 cm (at least). The flowers themselves will cope with the adjustment of the depth, since when the bulb is deeply located, they will release another one on the flower stem, thereby adjusting the size of the deepening.
But it is not at all necessary to observe a certain depth value. The only nuance of the shallow depth of the bulb is that the bulbs themselves will be smaller, but "babies" will quickly appear.
Snowdrops love shady, but warm places with sunlit and excellent soil drainage. Resistant to low temperature conditions. The soil should be moist, loosened, nutritious and drained. A special irrigation regime is not required, except for periods of drought.
Snowdrop photo
