Summer Snowflake

Here in the North we don't find it unusual to have "summer" and "snow" in the same sentence.  This post is about one of my favorite spring bulbs, the Giant or Summer  Snowflake, Leucojum aestivum ‘Gravetye Giant’.   Leucojum is a small genus of bulbous plants belonging to the Amaryllis family.  Currently the genus includes only two known species; the giant or summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) and the spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum).    These bulbs are similar to the more common  Galanthus or snowdrops.  The snowdrops usually are first to rise -- often peeking through the snow. Leucojum or snowflakes, follow later.   My Summer Snowflakes are just ending their bloom period after giving me enjoyment and some darn nice bouquets for three weeks.  

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​I planted the Giant Snowflake in the fall of 2010 and since then they have naturalized well and put on quite a show.   Although the name would indicate a later bloom it normally flowers in mid-May (unless of course we have a snow cover!) right after the daffodils are done and I’m waiting for the summer flowers.    It grows to about two feet.   The flowers last two or more weeks depending on the weather.   And they make great cut flowers with a very light scent. 
 
As with most spring bulbs Giant Snowflakes aren’t fussy about soil, but they will not survive in soggy soil or standing water.  These bulbs thrive in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade to dappled shade, making them easy to site.  The most pleasing results are achieved when bulbs are grouped together, five or more to a patch.    I recommend planting new bulbs in the fall when the soil temperature dips below 55° to allow time for the roots to develop for the next spring.
 
As with other spring blooming bulbs, leave the foliage in place after blooming to allow the plant to create energy for the next year’s bloom.  By early to mid-summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your giant snowflakes will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.
 
Giant snowflakes do best when the bulbs are left undisturbed for long periods of time.  It naturalizes well but slowly.  For this reason they are not recommended for containers.   They are deer and rabbit resistant and have virtually no insect pests as they have a substance with insecticidal properties.  The Giant snowflake is not widely available, so you will need to order from an on-line bulb company.  Find a place in your garden they can stay a while and grow; you will be rewarded in the coming years with a patch of great white flowers for late spring.