Leucojum aestivum
spring snowflakes
Europe and western Asia — from Ireland to Turkey; wet meadows, river floodplains, and damp woodland edges
Overview
Leucojum aestivum is summer snowflake (Loddon lily), a bulbous perennial growing 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) wide. White nodding bell-shaped flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) with 6 equal tepals each tipped with a green spot, 3-7 per scape, in April-May (4 weeks). Glossy dark green strap-shaped erect basal leaves 6-12 inches (15-30 cm). In Amaryllidaceae spp.. Aestivum = of summer (bloom time is later than L. vernum, but still mid-spring). Native to Europe and western Asia in wet meadows and river floodplains. Distinguished from Galanthus spp. (snowdrop) by 6 equal tepals (all the same length with green tips) — Galanthus spp. has 3 longer outer tepals and 3 shorter green-marked inner tepals. Tolerates wet and seasonally flooded soil — thrives in conditions too moist for most spring bulbs. This tolerance is the main cultural asset. Not drought-tolerant — declines in dry soil. The cultivar 'Gravetye Giant' reaches 24 inches (60 cm). Contains lycorine and galantamine — toxic if ingested. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-9. Part sun to full sun. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Europe and western Asia — from Ireland to Turkey. Found in wet meadows, river floodplains, and damp woodland edges.Suggested Uses
Grown in wet meadows, pond margins, stream banks, and rain gardens, spaced 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Tolerates seasonal flooding. Plant in drifts. Toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread4" - 6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (April-May). White nodding bell-shaped flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm), 6 equal tepals with green tips. 3-7 per scape. 4 weeks. Bee-visited.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, nodding, bell-shaped, 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm), with 6 equal tepals each tipped with a small green spot; 3-7 flowers per stem on a single scapeFoliage Description
Strap-shaped, glossy dark green, erect, basal, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm); foliage dies back by early summerGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun to full sun (2-8 hours). Moist soil pH 6.0-7.5 — tolerates seasonal flooding and wet clay. Not drought-tolerant. Plant bulbs 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep in fall. Allow foliage to die back naturally. Toxic (lycorine, galantamine). Deer-resistant. Zones 4-9.Pruning
No pruning needed. Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally by early summer (June). Do not cut green foliage.Pruning Schedule
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late spring