Growing Snowdrops in December: Tips and Advice for Winter Planting

Snowdrops (Galanthus) are among the first flowers to bloom in late winter and early spring, often pushing through the snow to reveal their delicate white petals. These charming, nodding blooms symbolize the end of winter and the coming of spring. If you’re looking to bring some life to your garden during the cold months, planting snowdrops in December can still provide a beautiful display for the following winter. Snowdrops are incredibly hardy, capable of withstanding frost and even snow, making them a perfect addition to a winter garden.

In this guide, we’ll cover the steps for planting snowdrops in December, including variety selection, soil preparation, winter care, and tips to ensure these delicate flowers thrive and return year after year.

Why Plant Snowdrops in December?

Snowdrops are typically planted in the fall, but if you’ve missed that window, planting them in December is still possible, particularly if the ground hasn’t yet frozen solid. Snowdrops are renowned for their ability to thrive in cold conditions, and even when planted late, they will begin to establish roots during the winter months. By planting in December, you’re setting the stage for blooms that can emerge as early as February.

Snowdrops are a favorite for gardeners who want to see early blooms in otherwise quiet winter gardens. Their resilience, combined with their early flowering, makes them an essential addition to any winter or spring garden.

Benefits of Planting Snowdrops in December:

Cold Hardiness: Snowdrops are frost-tolerant and can survive in freezing temperatures, making them ideal for winter planting.
Early Blooming: Snowdrops are often the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring, providing early signs of life in the garden.
Low Maintenance: Once planted, snowdrops require minimal care and will naturalize over time, forming beautiful drifts of white flowers.
Naturalizing Effect: Snowdrops can spread and multiply over the years, creating a beautiful carpet of blooms that requires little maintenance.

Choosing the Right Snowdrop Varieties for Winter Planting

There are several species and varieties of snowdrops (Galanthus) to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. When planting snowdrops in December, it’s important to select hardy varieties that will thrive in cold weather and naturalize well in your garden.

Popular Snowdrop Varieties for December Planting:

Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop): The most common and widely grown species, Galanthus nivalis produces elegant, white, bell-shaped flowers in late winter. This variety is very cold-hardy and ideal for naturalizing in shaded or woodland gardens.
Galanthus elwesii (Giant Snowdrop): Known for its larger blooms and wider leaves, Galanthus elwesii blooms slightly earlier than other varieties. It has distinctive gray-green foliage and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
Galanthus plicatus (Pleated Snowdrop): This variety is characterized by its pleated leaves and large, fragrant flowers. It blooms later in the season, extending the snowdrop display in your garden.
Galanthus ‘S. Arnott’: A popular cultivar with large, fragrant flowers, ‘S. Arnott’ blooms in mid-winter to early spring and is known for its strong scent and reliability in colder climates.

When selecting snowdrops for December planting, look for bulbs or “in the green” plants (snowdrops with foliage still attached) that are firm, healthy, and free from any signs of mold or rot.

Preparing the Soil for Snowdrops

Snowdrops thrive in well-drained, humus-rich soil, similar to the conditions found in woodland or naturalized settings. Proper soil preparation is crucial for successful growth, especially when planting late in the year.

Steps for Preparing the Soil:

Choose the Right Location: Snowdrops prefer partial shade and grow best under deciduous trees, where they receive filtered sunlight in winter and early spring. They can also tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates.
Test the Soil: Snowdrops grow well in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If needed, test your soil and adjust the pH by adding lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it.
Improve Drainage: Snowdrops do not tolerate waterlogged soil, which can cause the bulbs to rot. If your garden has heavy clay or poor drainage, consider planting in raised beds or adding organic material such as compost or grit to improve drainage.
Enrich with Organic Matter: Before planting, mix in well-rotted compost or leaf mold to improve the soil structure and provide nutrients for the bulbs. This will help support healthy root development over the winter.

How to Plant Snowdrops in December

When planting snowdrops in December, it’s essential to ensure the bulbs are not exposed to prolonged freezing conditions. If the ground is not frozen, you can still plant snowdrop bulbs, allowing them to establish their roots before the coldest part of winter sets in.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Snowdrops:

Planting Snowdrop Bulbs:

Dig the Holes: Dig small holes or a trench about 5-7cm (2-3 inches) deep, depending on the size of the bulb. Space the bulbs 7-10cm (3-4 inches) apart to allow them to naturalize and form clumps over time.
Position the Bulbs: Place each bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing upwards and the flat end at the bottom. This ensures that the roots will grow downward, and the shoot will emerge properly.
Backfill and Water: Cover the bulbs with soil and gently firm it down to eliminate air pockets. Water the bulbs lightly after planting to help them settle into the soil, but avoid overwatering.

Planting Snowdrops “In the Green”:

If you’re planting snowdrops “in the green” (with foliage attached), dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball. Place the plant at the same depth it was growing before, ensuring the foliage is above ground.
Water lightly after planting, and avoid disturbing the plants once they are in the ground.

Caring for Snowdrops Through Winter

Once planted, snowdrops are relatively low-maintenance. However, there are a few simple care practices to follow to ensure they thrive during the winter months and bloom successfully in early spring.

Watering

Snowdrops prefer moist, but well-drained soil, especially while they are establishing roots. During winter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient, but if there is a prolonged dry spell, water the planting area lightly to keep the soil from drying out completely. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot.

Mulching

Apply a thin layer of mulch over the planting area after planting the bulbs. Mulch helps to insulate the soil, retain moisture, and prevent the bulbs from being exposed to freezing temperatures. Use organic mulch such as compost, bark chips, or leaf mold, which will also enrich the soil as it breaks down.

Frost Protection

Snowdrops are incredibly cold-hardy and can tolerate frost and snow, so they don’t typically need additional frost protection. However, if you’re concerned about severe frost or if snowdrops are planted in an exposed location, you can cover the area with a layer of horticultural fleece or additional mulch to protect the bulbs.

Fertilizing Snowdrops

Snowdrops are light feeders, but a little extra nutrition can help them bloom beautifully year after year. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, as soon as you see new shoots emerging. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Caring for Snowdrops After Blooming

Once your snowdrops have finished blooming in late winter or early spring, it’s important to care for the plants properly to encourage them to return year after year.

Leave the Foliage to Die Back Naturally

After the flowers fade, allow the foliage to die back naturally. The leaves help feed the bulbs by photosynthesizing, storing energy for next year’s growth. Avoid cutting back the leaves until they have completely withered and turned yellow.

Dividing Snowdrops

Snowdrops will naturally spread and form clumps over time. Every 3-5 years, you may want to divide large clumps to prevent overcrowding and encourage healthy growth. The best time to divide snowdrops is just after they finish flowering, when they are still “in the green.” Carefully lift the clumps, separate the bulbs, and replant them in a new location.

Naturalizing Snowdrops in Your Garden

One of the most beautiful ways to grow snowdrops is by allowing them to naturalize in woodland areas, under trees, or along the edges of paths and borders. To create a naturalized look, plant snowdrop bulbs in drifts rather than straight lines. Scatter the bulbs randomly and plant them where they land, mimicking how they would grow in the wild.

Over time, snowdrops will spread and multiply, creating a beautiful carpet of white flowers that return year after year with minimal effort.

Using Snowdrops in Containers

While snowdrops are most often planted in garden beds or naturalized settings, they can also be grown in containers. When planting snowdrops in containers:

Choose the Right Pot: Use a container with good drainage, as snowdrops dislike soggy soil

. Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, enriched with organic matter to provide nutrients.
Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering, especially during winter. Snowdrops in containers may need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.

Conclusion

Planting snowdrops in December is a great way to bring life and color to your winter garden. These hardy, resilient plants are among the first to bloom in late winter, pushing through snow and frost to signal the end of the cold season. With minimal care, snowdrops will return year after year, creating a naturalized display of elegant white blooms.

By following the steps in this guide, you can successfully plant and care for snowdrops, ensuring they thrive in your garden or containers, providing a stunning, early-season bloom.

Find out more things you can grow in December here