Snowdrop Galanthus 'Cicely Hall'
ABOUT
Galanthus 'Cicely Hall', commonly known as a variety of snowdrop, is a delightful plant known for its delicate and attractive appearance. The plant bears slender, arching green leaves that provide a soft backdrop to its main attraction – the flowers. The blooms of the Cicely Hall snowdrop delicately hang from a single, thin stem, and they are characterized by their unique shape that resembles droplets or bells. The flowers are white and exhibit a classic snowdrop form; outer petals are typically longer and encase the inner petals, which often display a distinctive green marking that is like a signature for the variety. These inner petals are shorter and usually notched at the tips. The green markings can vary among flowers from simple spots to more intricate patterns, adding to the allure of this snowdrop variety. The bloom itself appears as if it is nodding or bowing, lending an elegant and endearing quality. Overall, the Cicely Hall snowdrop is cherished for its simplicity and the serene beauty it brings to gardens, often being one of the first signs of spring as it emerges even in cool weather.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Snowdrop, Common Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus 'Cicely Hall'.
ToxicityTo humans
Snowdrop, specifically Galanthus 'Cicely Hall', contains alkaloid compounds, particularly galantamine, which can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. Symptoms of snowdrop poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious effects such as dizziness, weakness, and irregular heartbeats due to the effect on the nervous system. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Snowdrop is also toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains the same alkaloid compounds that affect humans. Symptoms in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In more severe cases, ingestion can result in lethargy, seizures, and cardiac abnormalities. It is important to prevent pets from having access to any part of the snowdrop plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Spread
3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Value - Galanthus 'Cicely Hall', commonly known as Snowdrops, has delicate, nodding white flowers that add beauty and early spring interest to gardens.
- Early Bloomers - Snowdrops are one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter to early spring, sometimes even poking through the snow, offering a sign of the coming spring.
- Attracts Pollinators - Snowdrops provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators waking up from their winter dormancy.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, Snowdrops require minimal care, making them ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plantings.
- Naturalizing - Snowdrops can spread over time to form naturalistic drifts, making them excellent for woodland gardens or naturalized areas.
- Hardy Perennials - Being hardy perennials, Snowdrops can tolerate cold winter temperatures and rebound year after year.
- Resistant to Pests - Snowdrops are generally resistant to pests and diseases, meaning they are less likely to require chemical treatments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Indicator of spring's arrival: Snowdrop 'Cicely Hall' blooms herald the end of winter and are often used by gardeners as a natural indicator of the forthcoming change in seasons.
- Bee attractant: The early flowers are valuable for providing nectar for bees at a time when few other nectar sources are available.
- Symbol in art and literature: Snowdrops often symbolize purity and the bridging of winter into spring and are thus used as motifs in art, poetry, and literature.
- Naturalising in lawns: Snowdrop 'Cicely Hall' can be planted in grass to create a naturalised effect, often flowering before the first lawn mowing is required.
- Winter gardens: As one of the few flowers that bloom in winter, snowdrops can be used to add interest to winter gardens when most other plants are dormant.
- Companion planting: Snowdrops are often planted amongst deciduous trees and shrubs as they can flourish before the canopy fills in and blocks the sunlight in later seasons.
- Folklore and customs: In some cultures, snowdrops are used in traditions and festivals celebrating the end of winter and the renewal of the landscape.
- Photography subject: For photographers, the delicate and resilient snowdrop 'Cicely Hall' provides an excellent subject for macro photography during the winter months.
- Wedding flower: Since they represent new beginnings and purity, snowdrops can be included in winter wedding bouquets or decorations.
- Ephemeral ground cover: Planted en masse, snowdrops can create a temporary ground cover in the late winter and early spring, creating a blanket of white before other plants start to grow.
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: The Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrop, typically symbolizes purity due to its clean white petals that resemble snow.
- Hope: As one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, snowdrops represent hope and the arrival of spring.
- Consolation: The delicate appearance of the snowdrop offers a sense of comfort and consolation to people during tough times.
- New Beginnings: Snowdrops are often associated with new beginnings, as they are a sign that winter is ending and a new growth cycle is starting.
- Resilience: Snowdrops can bloom through the snow, symbolizing resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
WaterSnowdrops, including the Galanthus 'Cicely Hall', prefer evenly moist soil, especially during their growing season in late winter through spring. Water these bulbs when the top inch of soil feels dry, which might be about once a week, depending on weather conditions and soil type. Use about 1 gallon of water per square yard every week during active growth. In summer, when the plant is dormant, watering can be reduced significantly or even stopped if there is sufficient rain. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent bulb rot.
LightSnowdrops like Galanthus 'Cicely Hall' thrive in partial shade conditions, preferring the dappled light found under deciduous trees where they can be shielded from intense afternoon sun. A north-facing spot that receives morning light or a place that gets filtered sunlight through the canopy is ideal. These conditions mimic their natural woodland habitat and provide the best lighting for robust growth and flowering.
TemperatureSnowdrops, including Galanthus 'Cicely Hall', are hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. They show optimal growth and bloom when the late winter and early spring temperatures are cool, around 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, these bulbs can survive and bloom in areas with winter and spring temperatures fluctuating between 10 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit as they enter and exit dormancy.
PruningPruning of Snowdrops like Galanthus 'Cicely Hall' is typically unnecessary since they are small, bulbous plants. The only 'pruning' involved is the removal of dead or yellowing foliage after the leaves have died back naturally in late spring. This helps to keep the plant tidy and ensures that all the energy has been reabsorbed into the bulb for the next year's growth.
CleaningNot needed
SoilSnowdrop 'Cicely Hall' thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. For the best soil mix, incorporate compost and leaf mold to enhance soil structure and fertility.
RepottingSnowdrops, including 'Cicely Hall', rarely need repotting as they prefer to be left undisturbed. They are typically repotted only if they become overcrowded, about every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingSnowdrop 'Cicely Hall' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions; average room humidity is generally sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Snowdrop 'Cicely Hall' by a bright window, cool temperature.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, well-drained soil, and cool surroundings.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus 'Cicely Hall', commonly known as the Cicely Hall snowdrop, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant beneath the soil throughout the summer until the conditions are right for growth. In late winter to early spring, it breaks dormancy, and foliage begins to emerge, followed by the characteristic nodding, white bell-shaped flowers. After flowering, the plant will produce small seed capsules if pollination occurs. As temperatures rise toward late spring, the leaves will photosynthesize to provide energy, which is stored in the bulb for the next season. The foliage then yellows and dies back as the plant enters dormancy again during the summer months. With each passing year, the bulb can multiply, leading to the formation of small clumps of snowdrops, which may be divided and spread to propagate the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Galanthus 'Cicely Hall', more commonly known as a snowdrop variety, is generally propagated by dividing the bulbs. The ideal time to propagate snowdrops is when they finish flowering and are still in the green, known as 'in the green' propagation. This usually occurs in the spring shortly after the blooming period. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of bulbs with a shovel, making sure not to damage them. Gently separate the bulbs by hand, ensuring that each bulb retains a portion of the basal plate and some roots. These individual bulbs can then be immediately replanted in a prepared area of soil, spaced approximately 3 inches (about 7.5 centimeters) apart, and at a depth roughly three times the height of the bulb. By following these steps, the divided bulbs can establish themselves in their new location and potentially flower the following season.
