PLANT OF THE WEEK

GLORY OF THE SNOW (CHIONODOXA)

If you don’t know them already, you’ll soon grow to love these mounds of lilac blue flowers.

Then, as spring progresses and the flowers come to an end, the foliage appears.

Not just a one-season wonder, Chionodoxa increases slowly to form a clump big enough to make itself noticed – just give it time.

A favourite with alpine fans, it also does well in patio tubs and in the open garden, as long as the ground is well drained.

Being tiny it’s best at the front of a border and ideally close to the house where you can see it.