JOBS FOR THE WEEK
For me, the sight of the silvery green strap leaves pushing their way out of the grass is something I never tire of, and they look even more romantic peeking out of a snowy scene. The snowdrop is often thought of as native to the British Isles, but it is now accepted to be a species that was introduced from areas of Europe as well as Asia and Russia.
It has since naturalised throughout the UK, having been recorded in cultivation during the 16th century, and eventually being spotted growing wild in the late 18th century.
Since this time, the snowdrop has established itself throughout woodlands, gardens, churchyards, grasslands and parks. Having survived for over two centuries in such numbers makes it a truly naturalised species on our lands.
So how best to grow them in our gardens?
Snowdrops thrive in light shade under deciduous trees or shrubs, making beautiful companions for cyclamen and hellebores, although they can be grown in containers if re-potted annually.
As with most bulbs, snowdrops require well-drained soil, but this shouldn’t be allowed to dry out in summer. The ideal soil conditions replicate their natural woodland habitat: humus-rich and slightly moisture-retentive. When preparing your planting site, add plenty of organic matter.
Snowdrops don’t establish themselves successfully when planted as dry bulbs. Specialist nurseries tend to supply them with the plants still in full leaf (called ‘in the green’), with the bulb wrapped to preserve moisture. When buying bulbs, check with the supplier how long the plants have been out of the ground, and ensure the bulbs aren’t soft or wilting.
When planting single bulbs, add some sharp sand for drainage and ■ If you have houseplants outgrowing their pots, now is a good time to pot them on. Choose a pot one size bigger and use fresh potting compost.
If you can’t repot, then top-dress by scraping off the top inch of soil and replacing with fresh compost.
■ Plant amaryllis bulbs (hippeastrum) indoors in pots for spring flowers.
■ Windy weather may have caused windrock in your plants – roses are particularly vulnerable so check they have not been lifted out of the soil. label the plant – especially if it’s an unusual variety. This will also remind you where your snowdrops are once they’re dormant!
Once established, your snowdrop colony should go forth and multiply of its own accord. It’s best to divide clumps every three years, particularly ■ With epimediums, cut old leaves back carefully now to show the delicate flowers emerging, taking care not to cut the flower stems.
You can also do this with hellebores, removing dead leaves.
■