Wednesday, January 25, 2012

"Summer Snowflake" Leucojum aestivum ssp. aestivum


Many folks came up to our booth at the latest Midam trade show and asked about this plant because Tony LoBello, Design Director, Mariani Landscape spoke very highly of it in his lecture "The Tantalizing 25: Plants you Must Have in the garden, Part II". Tony speaking with Roy Diblik, Designer, Plantsman and Co-owner of Northwind Perennial Farm made a lasting impression on all the members, gardeners and students who attended.

Leucojum aestivum ssp. aestivum or more commonly known as "The Summer Snowflake". An English native dating back to the mid-eighteenth century, it is related to Galanthus nivalis. This great naturalizer has umbels of pendant, bell-shaped, white flowers with distinctive green tips and grass-like, strappy foliage. More moisture tolerant than other flower bulbs, it performs well near ponds or streams (but not submerged). Plus, it is rodent-proof.

And YES, these bulbs are planted in the Fall for spring bloom. Although the common name is "Summer Snowflake", they bloom mid to late Spring. Tuck them in next to rocks or walkways for a more naturalized look.