Summer snowflakes originate from Europe and northern Africa and are carefree spring-blooming bulbs. They belong to the Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae) botanical family and are critter proof. (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). Flowers and foliage are similar to snowdrops, but snowflakes grow twice as tall and bloom about 2-3 months later, usually just after most daffodils. Pure white, nodding, bell-shaped flowers are decorated with lime green spots. Blooms dangle in clusters from arching stems. Bulbs are reliably perennial and bloom reliably every spring for years to come.

Don’t be mistaken by its common name “Summer Snowflake”. They flower in mid-spring (April into early May) and bloom over 2-3 weeks. Summer Snowflakes (Leucojum) look a lot like snowdrops (Galanthus) which grow a lot smaller and bloom in mid to late winter. Whereas the three outer petals of Galanthus are larger than the three inner petals, all six floral petals in the Leucojum genus are the same length.

A flowering stem of summer snowflake is likely to bear more flowers—up to 6 or 7 per plant. Fewer than 2-3 flowers appear on a flowering stem, is an indication that plants are not receiving adequate sunlight. Primary snowflake species are:

• L. vernum, a plant of about the same size as the giant snowdrop (1 foot tall), is called the “spring snowflake.” It blooms in mid-spring.
• L. aestivum is similar in size to L. vernum, but blooms slightly later in mid-spring.

Plant the bulbs 5 – 6 inches deep and 5 – 6 inches apart on center. Design for a natural look by planting snowflakes along a woodland path or a rock garden in groups of 10 or more bulbs. Give them at least half-day sun and they flower at their best under limbed up small trees or large shrubs. Let the foliage remain to rebuild the bulbs before summer dormancy sets in.

Snowflakes adapt well to most soil types and bulbs are soil pH insensitive. Bulbs require moisture during the early growth season and are moderately drought tolerant during their summer dormancy period.