The Delicate Beauty of Snowdrops

Thou beautiful new comer, 
     With white and maiden brow; 
Thou fairy gift from summer, 
     Why art thou blooming now? 

Letitia Elizabeth Landon

The Delicate Beauty of Snowdrops. February 15, 2023.

The dewy sparkle of new snowdrops on a late winter morning is among the first hopeful signs that Spring is approaching. These late-winter fairies will bravely poke their tiny heads above the snow in February, allowing their ethereal beauty to stand alone and unchallenged on a cold, barren landscape. Dainty and sparkling, one cannot help but notice them on a cold and sunny morning despite their miniature stature. Snowdrops bring a sense of spirituality to the landscape with their Trinity-like appearance of three pure white outer petals. Indeed, the religious significance of snowdrops is long-standing, as they have historically symbolized purity on Candlemas in Christianity.

I have never planted snowdrops, but they have faithfully come anyway. They are as ancient as fairy tales, appearing far back in Greek mythology as a sign of hope and Spring, heralding the return of the mythological Persephone from Hades. I was first acquainted with their yearly ritual during our first winter at SomeTyme Place. One morning, a tiny glistening patch off to one side of the yard caught my eye. Going outside for a closer look, I found myself greeting the snowdrop for the first time. The same tiny patch returned annually as if to keep a tryst. When we moved to Hidden Bluff, I knew I would miss the sweet white belles. However, early in February last year, familiar green shoots began to crop up, and a sparkling white patch emerged for us to enjoy.

Growing Snowdrops….

Snowdrops do not need full sun and are a good choice to plant under trees. They are not fussy plants and can be left alone, but dividing clumps occasionally is a good idea. Snowdrops prefer damp, well-drained soil. Plant the bulbs in the fall, making sure to refer to the planting schedule for your garden zone first. There are about 20 different species of snowdrops that would make a lovely late-winter ground cover. Indeed, I hope to have a ground cover of Snowdrops at Hidden Bluff over time, so I spread them out each year. The time to divide them is after they have flowered, but while they still have green leaves. Likely this will be in March.

I cannot agree with DH Lawrence in his poetic desire to trample on the snowdrops because he is in a hurry for Spring. To me, snowdrops are essential to the winter landscape and, for this reason, a sweet addition to the cottage garden. Let them come and shine their beauty in the dark of winter!

Have a beautiful day!