“Snowdrop” is the common name of flowers belonging to the *Galanthus* genus, which is made up of bulbous perennial flowering plants native to Europe and the Middle East. These spring flowers are one of the earliest bloomers among flowering bulbs, opening in late winter or early spring. Snowdrop bulbs produce a bell-shaped flower that hangs from the stalk, giving the flower its name. When fully opened, the white flowers resemble snowflakes; they have three large outer petals surrounding three inner petals, which contrast beautifully against the plant’s dark green leaves. 

The most well-known type of snowdrop is *Galanthus nivalis*, otherwise known as the common snowdrop. Other popular snowdrop species include giant snowdrop (*Galanthus elwesii*), pleated snowdrop (*Galanthus plicatus*), and green snowdrop or Woronow's snowdrop (*Galanthus woronowii*). Snowdrop flowers are related to [amaryllis flowers](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/amaryllis-care-guide) (of the *Hippeastrum* genus) and [daffodils](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-daffodils-in-your-garden) (of the *Narcissus* genus). 

Snowdrop plants make for a beautiful winter flower to add to your garden. Use the following steps as a guide for growing snowdrop plants:

- __Prepare the soil__. Plant dormant snowdrop bulbs in the fall to ensure an early-spring bloom time. Thoroughly loosen the soil in your garden bed; humus-rich, moist, well-draining [soil types](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soil-types) are best. Space bulbs three to four inches apart for best growth. Snowdrop flowers require good drainage, so they work well in <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide","linkCopy":"rock gardens","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>rock gardens</a>. 
- __Ensure that snowdrops get ample sunlight__. Snowdrops bloom in full sun or under the partial shade of larger deciduous trees before the trees regrow their leaves and cast heavy, sun-blocking shade. 
- __Water and nourish the bulbs__. Use light to medium amounts of water in warm climates and during the hotter months. During the cooler months, snowdrops require little water. Avoid high heat and humidity—snowdrop flowers grow best in [hardiness zones](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-planting-zones) three through seven. Most varieties benefit from potassium-rich fertilizers. 
- __Remove yellow and brown foliage__. After the snowdrops flower by late spring, the foliage will begin to die off. Some botanists remove the leaves entirely after they begin to brown. This ensures that the nutrients will be concentrated in the bulbs and preserved for next year’s blooms.
- __Propagate snowdrop bulbs__. Snowdrops will self-propagate if left on their own. You can transplant the new plants or [uproot and store the bulbs](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-store-flower-bulbs-during-the-winter) for planting at a later date.
Snowdrop plants are toxic to both humans and animals—which also happens to make them resistant to pests. All parts of the plant contain phenanthridine alkaloids, a poisonous substance that is especially concentrated in the bulbs. Keep pets and children away from snowdrop plants, and if you suspect that any part of a snowdrop plant has been consumed, contact your local poison control center.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.
Learn about snowdrop flowers and how to plant and care for them in your home garden.

Learn about snowdrop flowers and how to plant and care for them in your home garden.

Snowdrop Flower Care Guide: How to Grow Snowdrop Plants

“Snowdrop” is the common name of flowers belonging to the Galanthus genus, which is made up of bulbous perennial flowering plants native to Europe and the Middle East. These spring flowers are one of the earliest bloomers among flowering bulbs, opening in late winter or early spring. Snowdrop bulbs produce a bell-shaped flower that hangs from the stalk, giving the flower its name. When fully opened, the white flowers resemble snowflakes; they have three large outer petals surrounding three inner petals, which contrast beautifully against the plant’s dark green leaves. The most well-known type of snowdrop is Galanthus nivalis, otherwise known as the common snowdrop. Other popular snowdrop species include giant snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii), pleated snowdrop (Galanthus plicatus), and green snowdrop or Woronow&#39;s snowdrop (Galanthus woronowii). Snowdrop flowers are related to <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/amaryllis-care-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/amaryllis-care-guide","linkCopy":"amaryllis flowers","category":null}'>amaryllis flowers</a> (of the Hippeastrum genus) and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-daffodils-in-your-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-daffodils-in-your-garden","linkCopy":"daffodils","category":null}'>daffodils</a> (of the Narcissus genus).

What Are Snowdrop Flowers?

Snowdrop plants make for a beautiful winter flower to add to your garden. Use the following steps as a guide for growing snowdrop plants:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Prepare the soil. Plant dormant snowdrop bulbs in the fall to ensure an early-spring bloom time. Thoroughly loosen the soil in your garden bed; humus-rich, moist, well-draining <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soil-types' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soil-types","linkCopy":"soil types","category":null}'>soil types</a> are best. Space bulbs three to four inches apart for best growth. Snowdrop flowers require good drainage, so they work well in <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide","linkCopy":"rock gardens","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>rock gardens</a>. </li><li class="">Ensure that snowdrops get ample sunlight. Snowdrops bloom in full sun or under the partial shade of larger deciduous trees before the trees regrow their leaves and cast heavy, sun-blocking shade. </li><li class="">Water and nourish the bulbs. Use light to medium amounts of water in warm climates and during the hotter months. During the cooler months, snowdrops require little water. Avoid high heat and humidity—snowdrop flowers grow best in <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-planting-zones' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-planting-zones","linkCopy":"hardiness zones","category":null}'>hardiness zones</a> three through seven. Most varieties benefit from potassium-rich fertilizers. </li><li class="">Remove yellow and brown foliage. After the snowdrops flower by late spring, the foliage will begin to die off. Some botanists remove the leaves entirely after they begin to brown. This ensures that the nutrients will be concentrated in the bulbs and preserved for next year’s blooms. </li><li class="">Propagate snowdrop bulbs. Snowdrops will self-propagate if left on their own. You can transplant the new plants or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-store-flower-bulbs-during-the-winter' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-store-flower-bulbs-during-the-winter","linkCopy":"uproot and store the bulbs","category":null}'>uproot and store the bulbs</a> for planting at a later date. </li></ul>

How to Grow and Care for Snowdrop Flowers

Snowdrop plants are toxic to both humans and animals—which also happens to make them resistant to pests. All parts of the plant contain phenanthridine alkaloids, a poisonous substance that is especially concentrated in the bulbs. Keep pets and children away from snowdrop plants, and if you suspect that any part of a snowdrop plant has been consumed, contact your local poison control center.

Snowdrop Plant Toxicity

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described &quot;Gangster Gardener.&quot; Get the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.

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Learn about snowdrop flowers and how to plant and care for them in your home garden.

Learn about snowdrop flowers and how to plant and care for them in your home garden.
