Leucojum, Genus, vernum, Species,
- Genus & species
spring snowflake
Central and southern Europe (Belgium/France east through Austria, Hungary, Balkans; damp woodlands, streamsides, mountain meadows)
Overview
Leucojum vernum is a small, bulbous, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial reaching 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall with a spread of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) per bulb, forming expanding clumps. This is the true spring snowflake—blooming in February–March, weeks earlier than L. aestivum. Each sturdy stem bears 1–2 (rarely 3) pendant, bell-shaped, white flowers 0.5–0.75 inches (1.3–2 cm) long with a green or yellow-green spot at the tip of each of the six equal tepals. The strap-shaped, glossy, bright green leaves are 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) long, emerging with or just before the flowers. The bulbs multiply by offsets, forming dense colonies. All parts are toxic. Dormant in summer. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 3.
Native Range
Leucojum vernum is native to central and southern Europe—from Belgium and France east through Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans—in damp woodlands, streamsides, and mountain meadows.Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland gardens, under deciduous trees, alongside streams, and in rock gardens at 3–4 inch (8–10 cm) spacing in groups of 15–25 bulbs. The February–March bloom fills the earliest spring gap—among the first bulbs to flower. Naturalizes slowly in damp, shaded conditions. The summer dormancy means empty space May–January—interplant with summer-active companions. All parts are toxic. Slow to establish. Not suitable for dry soils, full sun in hot climates, or positions where quick establishment is needed.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread4" - 6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White pendant bells 0.5-0.75 inches with green or yellow-green spots at tepal tips; 1-2 per stemFoliage Description
Glossy bright green, strap-shaped, 6-10 inches; emerges with or before flowers; dies back in summerGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-5 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
Plant bulbs 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) deep in autumn in partial shade in moist, humus-rich soil. Hardy to zone 3. Tolerates damp conditions—native to streamsides. Allow foliage to die back naturally after bloom. Summer-dormant. Slow to establish—may take 2–3 years before forming visible colonies.Pruning
Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally. Remove only fully dead foliage. No other maintenance needed.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
