Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis
Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Woodlands from the Pyrenees to Ukraine; naturalised widely in Britain. It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 8–15 cm (3–6 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
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Snowdrop at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 cm (3–6 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 24 °C (75 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Woodlands from the Pyrenees to Ukraine; naturalised widely in Britain |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Snowdrop toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: bulbs, leaves
Contains lycorine and galantamine; eating bulbs causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Snowdrop
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Snowdrop
- How far apart should I plant Snowdrop?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 cm (3–6 in).
- Does Snowdrop need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Snowdrop need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Snowdrop?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Snowdrop flower?
- From about February for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Snowdrop poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains lycorine and galantamine; eating bulbs causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
- What grows well with Snowdrop?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Snowdrop. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Foliage dies back by late spring; best planted "in the green" after flowering.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Onion Allium cepa
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Garlic Allium sativum
- Leek Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group)
- Chives Allium schoenoprasum
- Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
- Ornamental allium Allium giganteum
- Shallot Allium cepa var. aggregatum