February's Flower of the Month

 Summer Snowflake

(Leucojum aestivum)

Summer snowflake is a bulbous perennial that is well-suited to the South. In fact, it is common and prolific in many old Southern gardens. Each stem bears clusters of two to six pendant, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers in late winter or early spring. Each milky-white petal has a thickened emerald green spot near its edge. I sometimes think that the fairies must have visited during the night and deposited a dollop of paint on the tip of each one. Strap-shaped foliage provides the perfect backdrop for the delicate blossoms. 

Plant summer snowflakes in clumps of about 15 bulbs for greatest impact in the landscape. A spectacular flowering display can be expected when bulbs are naturalized in large drifts. A place in full to part sun is best. Many gardeners plant them under deciduous trees and shrubs so that they receive winter sun. Since they go dormant during the summer, they are non-the-wiser about the shade over their heads.

Very little maintenance is needed to keep bulbs healthy if they are planted in an area where moisture is available during the winter. Insects are of little consequence and are seldom active when the snowflakes are growing. A little fertilizer or compost when the plants begin growing in fall may increase vigor, but bulbs persist for years with no attention whatsoever.

Plants naturalize easily by bulb offsets, and they can be divided if needed to increase stock. However, bulbs are usually best if left undisturbed once they are set in the ground. If you decide to dig and divide the bulbs, wait until the foliage dies down. 

Look for Leucojum vernum in bulb catalogs. Be sure to order Leucojum aestivum, as Leucojum vernum is ill-suited to Southern gardens. ‘Gravetye Giant’ is a large-flowered cultivar that is sometimes offered. Southern gardens are all the richer when this old-timey bulb is included in the landscape.

At a Glance

Family:  Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis Family)

Other Names: Summer Snowflake, Giant Snowflake

Origin: North Africa and the Mediterranean region

Zones: 4-9

Size:  1-2 feet tall, slowly spreading

Light: Sun to part shade

Moisture: Medium in winter; drought-tolerant in summer

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