Emergence of white snowdrops are first sign of spring
After a winter like the one Chicagoans have just endured, the first signs of spring are especially welcome. In my garden, it is the first snowdrops that lift my spirits and soothe my winter-weary soul.
Galanthus nivalus, as they are botanically named, push their way through cold soil, and sometimes snow, to give winter its walking papers. Although they are native to Europe and southwestern Asia, snowdrops have made themselves at home in North America.
Snowdrops naturalize in their favored conditions — well-drained soil rich with organic matter in the shade of trees or shrubs where they can soak up the sun's rays in spring and then find respite in part shade in summer.
Nodding, snow white flowers dangle delightfully from arching, 4-inch stems as early as mid-February in gentle winters but more typically the end of February or beginning of March. Left to their own devices, they spread into lovely colonies by both producing bulb offsets and self-seeding themselves about.
Once they have finished blooming, the leaves must be left to yellow before removing. Just like other bulbs, the foliage feeds the bulbs, recharging them for next year's flowers. After several weeks, they completely disappear from the garden, replaced by tulips and daffodils and spring-blooming perennials.
If you are not already enjoying snowdrops in your garden, mark places where they could be planted in the fall. I like to use Popsicle sticks. They are easy to label with a Sharpie and poke, unnoticeably, in the garden. Don't trust your memory. Once perennials fill in, it will be difficult to remember.
Plant bulbs of snowdrops in fall. If the soil is not already well-drained, amend it with lots of organic matter. Plant bulbs with the pointed tops up 2 to 3 inches deep and about 3 inches apart in groupings, the more bulbs the better. Plant them around the bases of shrubs, in open woodlands and shady rock gardens. If space is limited, plant them between established perennials.
Water after planting to settle the soil and to encourage roots to get growing. Some people experience skin irritation when they handle the bulbs, so wear gloves to be safe.
A bit of patience is required after planting because snowdrops spend their first year getting established and won't reach their flowering potential until their second year in the garden.
Snowdrops are also ideal candidates for planting in containers. Choose a container that is at least 6 inches deep and has drainage holes. Fill it with soilless potting mix. Push bulbs down 2 to 3 inches deep but spaced much closer together than in the ground. Planted shoulder to shoulder, they create a magnificent display.
Once snowdrops make their garden debut, winter aconites and crocuses aren't far behind. And once winter aconite and crocuses are blooming, spring has arrived, and a new season of growing has begun.
• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist, garden writer and speaker. She blogs at gardenwithdiana.com.