Galanthus - Everything you Need to Know About Snowdrops

New beginnings, rebirth and hope are just some of the qualities attributed to the delicate and modest Snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, also known as ‘Fair Maids of February’. A winter perennial, it is one of the first welcome signs of spring in gardens and woodlands, easy to spot with its dark green glossy leaves and nodding, white bell-shaped flowers.  

Buying Galanthus 

For the cut flower market, most commercially grown Galanthus are from The Netherlands, where they can be bought wholesale in small batches, approximately 20cm in height. Slightly taller (45cm) and more robust is Leucojum aestivum (also known as Snowflakes) which are very similar in style. 

It is also possible to buy both types, Galanthus and Leucojum, in January and February from some UK growers.  

Using Galanthus in designs 

Snowdrops are sometimes requested for funeral tributes, which although understandable, can be problematical as their soft stems are not suitable for pushing directly into floral foam and they are not long enough for anything but the most petite of tied designs. If using in in foam take a plastic tube (the sort that comes with Orchids and Anthuriums) fill halfway with water and group a few stems together before firmly inserting the tube into the foam.  

Another alternative when adding Galanthus into funeral designs is to use pots of flowering bulbs. Remove the pot and make a hole in the foam just big enough to hold the bulbs and pack them in securely with moss. The advantage of this is that the bulbs can be removed afterwards and planted in the garden.  

If a winter bride requests Snowdrops, Leucojum is the best option as the stems are slightly taller. If necessary, use flower tubes on spikes to elevate them. Group two or three together for more impact. For seasonal table vases, combine Galanthus with Muscari, Paper Whites and Anemone. 

How to care and condition Galanthus 

• Ideal temperature range: 1-4°C. 

• Re-cut stems using sharp scissors. 

• Stand flowers in deep, fresh water when they first arrive, use specialist bulb food if supplied. 

• Display in a suitably sized container away from direct heat and draughts.  

• Change water every other day, and don’t overcrowd vases. 

• They are very delicate, so handle with care.  

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Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.