Spring snowflake

Flower color: white

Flowering period: February - March

Average plant height: 8 inches

Planting depth to base of bulb: 4 inches

Spacing between bulbs: 5 inches

Type of bulb: true bulb

Light requirements: partial shade

Landscape uses: borders, rock gardens, under shrubs and trees, and as cut flowers

Depending on the bulb size, three to five bell-shaped flowers dangle from each long, fairly sturdy flower stem. Spring snowflakes require a moist habitat (e.g., on the edge of natural ponds). 'Gravetye Giant' has large flowers on stems that easily reach a length of 20 to 24 inches.

This snowflake often blooms as early as the snowdrops (Galanthus) but is much rarer. Unfortunately, bulbs are offered only sporadically. Each flower stem usually carries a single lightly scented flower, but occasionally two will appear. The elongated leaves are bright green.