Snowdrop Galanthus plicatus 'Augustus'
ABOUT
Galanthus plicatus 'Augustus', commonly known as a type of snowdrop, is recognizable for its charming, nodding white blooms which appear to emerge on slender stalks. The flowers are distinct because of their elegant, bell-shaped form and they typically showcase three outer petals that encase smaller, inner petals with green markings. This green touch contrasts with the pristine white, adding to the appeal and making the blooms quite distinctive. The foliage of the 'Augustus' snowdrop is also noteworthy; it's generally a rich green color and tends to have a folded or pleated texture, which is somewhat unusual compared to other members of the snowdrop family. The leaves are elongated and slender, with a smooth and sometimes glossy surface, embracing the flower stems in a tuft that gracefully arches towards the ground. Overall, the appearance of the Galanthus plicatus 'Augustus' is delicate and poised, evoking a sense of purity and the first hint of the approaching spring. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and the subtle contrast between the white of the petals and the touch of green at their heart, making it a favorite for gardeners seeking to add early-season interest to their gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Plicate Snowdrop, Crimean Snowdrop, Augustus Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus plicatus 'Augustus'.
ToxicityTo humans
Snowdrop (the most common name for Galanthus plicatus 'Augustus') is considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, all parts of the plant contain alkaloids including galantamine, which can cause symptoms if ingested in large amounts. These symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Ingestion of any part of the snowdrop should be avoided and medical attention should be sought if symptoms occur following ingestion.
To pets
Snowdrop is also toxic to pets. If a pet ingests any part of a snowdrop, they may display symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly seizures due to the alkaloids present in the plant, including galantamine. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting this plant, and to consult a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
4 inches (10 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens during late winter and early spring with its appealing white flowers.
- Early Bloomer: One of the first flowers to bloom, often emerging through snow, signaling the end of winter.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Naturalizing: Spreads over time to form a carpet of blooms, ideal for woodland gardens and natural areas.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistant: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers provide nectar for a variety of early-spring pollinators, including bees.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Galanthus 'Augustus,' commonly known as snowdrop, can be used as a natural pest repellent, as it contains compounds that are unpalatable to some rodents and deer, deterring them from garden areas.
- The snowdrop's patterning and growth have been used as an inspiration in art and design, influencing patterns in textiles and motifs in jewelry.
- In colder climates, snowdrops can be used as indicators of soil temperature; when they begin to emerge, it often suggests that the soil is thawing.
- Snowdrops are sometimes used as a natural dye source, where the green marks on their outer petals can be utilized to create a light green tint.
- The blossom of the snowdrop is sometimes used as a motif for traditional celebrations of the end of winter in various cultures, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
- Due to their early blooming, snowdrops can be used to assess the microclimate of a garden space as they may show variations in bloom time based on subtle temperature differences.
- Snowdrops can be used in winter garden compositions to create visual interest and provide a contrast to evergreen vegetation.
- As a subject of photography and painting, snowdrops are popular for their aesthetic appeal, especially against a snowy backdrop, often attracting artists and photographers.
- In literature, snowdrops are used metaphorically to represent purity, hope, and the transitory nature of life due to their fleeting appearance at the end of winter.
- Gardeners sometimes use the blooming patterns of snowdrops to predict the best time to sow frost-sensitive plants, using them as a bio-indicator of the passing of the risk of heavy frost.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Snowdrop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Snowdrop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: As a member of the snowdrop family, the Galanthus plicatus 'Augustus', commonly known as the snowdrop, is often associated with purity due to its white color and its early blooming, often through the snow.
- Hope: Snowdrops symbolize hope as they are among the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, heralding the arrival of spring and the return of life to the earth after a cold, dormant period.
- Consolation: In the language of flowers, snowdrops can represent consolation, possibly because they offer a sign of life and comforting beauty in otherwise bleak, wintry conditions.
- New Beginnings: The snowdrop's emergence in late winter or early spring is a representation of new beginnings and the cycle of renewal in nature and in human life.
WaterSnowdrops need to be watered regularly, especially during their growing season in the spring. They prefer moist soil, so aim to water them once every week with about 1 inch of water, which equates to about 0.623 gallons per square yard. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. During the summer dormancy period, reduce watering significantly, only to keep the soil from completely drying out. Adjust your watering schedule in response to rainfall, watering less after periods of heavy rain.
LightSnowdrops grow best in dappled shade beneath deciduous trees where they can get sunlight in the winter and spring but are protected from the harsh summer sun. They are suited for areas that simulate their natural woodland habitat, with some early morning or late afternoon sun. Avoid placing them in full sun as this can damage the delicate blooms and foliage.
TemperatureSnowdrops are hardy and can tolerate cold winter temperatures, often blooming through the snow. They can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F but prefer a range between 30°F and 50°F during their flowering period. They thrive in the cooler temperatures of winter and early spring, while their foliage is active.
PruningPruning is generally not required for snowdrops, as they are small, bulbous plants that naturally die back after flowering. The best time to remove foliage is when it turns yellow and wilts, indicating it has nourished the bulb sufficiently for the next season. It's important not to remove green foliage prematurely, as it can weaken the plant.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Snowdrop 'Augustus' prefers a well-draining, humus-rich soil mix with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix can be composed of equal parts loam, compost, and sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingSnowdrop 'Augustus' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years or when it becomes noticeably pot-bound.
Humidity & MistingThe best humidity conditions for Snowdrop 'Augustus' are moderate, resembling the plant's natural woodland habitat—avoid both excessively dry and overly damp environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Snowdrop 'Augustus' near a window with bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Snowdrop 'Augustus' in partial shade to full sun in moist soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus plicatus 'Augustus', commonly known as the "snowdrop", begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the summer. As the temperatures cool in autumn, roots begin to develop from the base of the bulb. In winter or early spring, shoots emerge from the bulb, and the snowdrop produces its characteristic bell-shaped, white flowers, often while snow is still on the ground. Following pollination, which is mostly carried out by bees, the flowers produce seed capsules that eventually release seeds into the soil. After flowering, the leaves photosynthesize and replenish the bulb with nutrients before they yellow and die back as the plant enters summer dormancy. The bulb then remains dormant until the following autumn when the cycle starts anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring
The Snowdrop 'Augustus' (Galanthus plicatus 'Augustus') is typically propagated through division, a process best performed after the plant has finished flowering and the leaves have started to yellow, usually in late spring. This involves gently lifting the clump of bulbs from the ground using a fork or spade, being careful not to damage the bulbs. Once removed, the clump can be gently teased apart into individual bulbs or smaller clumps. Each bulb or clump is then replanted immediately at the same depth it was growing at before, which is usually about 3 inches (approximately 7.6 centimeters) deep, ensuring that the pointed end of the bulb is facing upwards. The bulbs should be spaced out, generally about 3 inches (approximately 7.6 centimeters) apart, to allow for adequate room for growth. They will then establish and grow on to flower in subsequent seasons.
