Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice'
ABOUT
Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice', commonly known as the common snowdrop, is a perennial bulbous plant known for its delicate and attractive appearance. It blooms early, often while snow still covers the ground, heralding the coming of spring. The common snowdrop features a solitary, pendulous, bell-shaped white flower that hangs from a single, slender stem. At the tip of each flower, there are three outer petal-like segments that are long and curved, encasing shorter inner segments. These inner segments are notable for their distinctive green markings at the apex, which is a characteristic feature of the 'Viridapice' variety. The foliage consists of two or three narrow, gray-green leaves per bulb, which are basal, arising from the base of the plant. These leaves are strap-shaped and can sometimes show a slight arch. The overall appearance of the common snowdrop is one of simplicity and elegance, with a contrast of pure white and vivid green that stands out in the late winter and early spring garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Common Snowdrop, Snowdrop, Green-tipped Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice'.
ToxicityTo humans
Snowdrop, the most common name for Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice', contains toxic alkaloids such as galantamine. Although it has some medical applications, ingestion of the plant can cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious symptoms like vomiting, or even collapse. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritations in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Snowdrop is also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The alkaloids present can cause gastrointestinal upset, marked by vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms can include lethargy, tremors, and incoordination. Ingesting large quantities can lead to more severe symptoms and require veterinary attention. Pet owners should prevent their pets from ingesting any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Blooming: Snowdrops typically flower in late winter or early spring, often emerging through snow, bringing some of the first colors back to the garden after winter.
- Bees and Pollinators: They provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators that are active during the colder months.
- Low Maintenance: Snowdrops are known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Naturalizing: They have the ability to spread and naturalize over time, creating charming drifts of white flowers.
- Cold Hardy: Snowdrops are tolerant of cold winter temperatures and frost, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, they can endure periods of dryness and are relatively drought-resistant.
- Pest Resistant: These plants are not commonly affected by pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: They are usually not favored by deer or rodents, which helps prevent damage to the flowers or bulbs.
- Garden Aesthetics: Snowdrops can complement other spring-blooming flowers and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a garden or landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Plant Markers: Snowdrops' emergence can be used as natural markers in gardens to signify where other perennials will sprout, helping gardeners plan their space effectively.
- Educational Tool: Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice' can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant biology, particularly the mechanisms of flowering in late winter.
- Snow Melter: The heat generated by snowdrop clusters can help melt surrounding snow, illustrating the plant's thermogenesis ability.
- Artistic Inspiration: The distinct markings of 'Viridapice' can inspire botanical illustrators and photographers with its unique green-tipped petals.
- Garden Design: They can be used in garden designs to create patterns and borders, offering aesthetic contrasts against darker soils when in bloom.
- Winter Interest: Planting snowdrops offers visual interest in gardens during late winter months, when most other plants are dormant.
- Bee Forage: As one of the early bloomers, snowdrops can provide a critical food source for bees when not much else is flowering.
- Symbolism: Snowdrops can be planted to symbolize hope and the arrival of spring, often used in cultural and religious ceremonies for this purpose.
- Eco-Friendly Lawns: By naturalizing in lawns, snowdrops can contribute to a more bio-diverse and ecologically friendly grass area, reducing the need for constant mowing.
- Seasonal Events: Snowdrops, due to their early blooming period, can be the center of seasonal festivals and garden tours that celebrate the end of winter.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Snowdrop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Snowdrop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice', commonly known as snowdrop, often blooms in late winter and early spring, sometimes while snow is still on the ground, symbolizing the hope and the promise of spring and warmer days to come.
- Purity: Its white flowers are commonly associated with purity and innocence.
- Consolation or Comfort: The snowdrop can offer solace to those who are grieving, as it is a sign that even in the coldest and darkest times, there is the potential for growth and renewal.
- New Beginnings: As one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, snowdrops symbolize new starts and the arrival of new life.
WaterSnowdrops, commonly known as Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice', prefer soil that is moist but well-drained during their growing season in winter and spring. It is best to water these bulbs lightly, ensuring the soil is not waterlogged. During the growing period, a weekly watering with approximately 1/4 to 1/2 gallon per square yard should suffice, depending on soil drainage and weather conditions. Once they enter their dormant period in late spring to early summer, watering can be reduced as the plants prefer drier conditions during this time.
LightSnowdrops thrive best in partial to full shade. Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice' should be planted in a spot that is shielded from intense midday sun, which can be harmful. Dappled sunlight, such as beneath deciduous trees, provides ideal lighting conditions, allowing the plants to receive morning light while being protected during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureSnowdrops, including Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice', are cold-hardy plants that can withstand winter temperatures as low as 10°F. They have a preference for cool to moderate climates and typically fare best when the temperature ranges between 30°F and 50°F during their growing season. These plants are adapted to bloom in early spring and may not thrive in temperatures consistently above 70°F.
PruningPruning is typically not necessary for Snowdrops such as Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice'. These plants are self-sufficient and only require removal of dead or yellowing foliage after the leaves have died back naturally, which is usually by late spring or early summer. This clean-up helps prevent disease and keeps the area tidy for the next growing season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilSnowdrop 'Viridapice' prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A good mix would be part garden soil, part compost, and part perlite or sand for drainage.
RepottingSnowdrops, such as 'Viridapice', generally do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years as they prefer to naturalize.
Humidity & MistingSnowdrop 'Viridapice' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have special humidity requirements, thriving in outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil lightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus nivalis 'Viridapice', commonly known as snowdrop 'Viridapice', begins its life cycle as a bulb lying dormant beneath the soil during summer. As the temperature cools and winter approaches, the bulb breaks dormancy and roots start to grow. In late winter to early spring, the bulb sends up a single flowering stalk, along with a pair of basal leaves, culminating in a distinctive white flower with green markings on the inner tepals. After flowering, the plant stores energy in the bulb as the leaves photosynthesize before dying back in late spring. The bulb remains dormant through the summer until the cycle restarts with the cooler temperatures of the next autumn. The plant slowly multiplies by producing offsets or can be propagated by seeds that form after flowering and are distributed to grow into new bulbs, continuing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring
Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice', commonly known as snowdrop, is typically propagated by dividing its bulbs, a process best carried out when the plants are dormant, usually after the leaves have died back in late spring or early summer. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of bulbs with a garden fork, ensuring you do not damage the bulbs. Gently separate the bulbs by hand, making sure that each new bulb has a portion of the base plate to ensure regrowth. Replant the divided bulbs at the same depth they were previously growing, which is typically about 3 inches (approximately 7.6 centimeters) deep, spaced a few inches apart to provide room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help establish them. This method of propagation is simple and helps to rejuvenate overcrowded clumps, promoting more vigorous flowering in subsequent years.
