Snowflake Leucojum aestivum

Summer Snowflake is a bulbous perennial in the onion family and native to Europe and Asia. At maturity in 2 to 5 years, the plant grows up to 24 inches tall. Despite the common name of Summer Snowflake, the plant's drooping, white, green-tipped flowers bloom mid-spring and not in the summer. The genus name is Greek for scented white flowers. The species epithet means flowering in summer.

This plant does best in organic, well drained, damp soil in full or partial sun. It is tolerant of shade, drought during summer dormancy, but needs consistent moisture during its growth period. This plant is also tolerant of wet and clay soils, but acidic soils should be avoided. Plant in autumn and bury the bulbs 2 to 4 inches deep and spaced 6 inches apart. Do not disturb the bulbs once planted. When grown from seed, it can take several years before blossoms appear.

This plant spreads readily and is often planted as an ornamental ground cover in lawns, rock gardens, under deciduous trees, in shrub borders, woodland gardens, and in flower beds. It is considered invasive in Delaware. It does best when it is planted in mass. 

This plant is seldom damaged by deer.

Although sometimes confused with Common Snowdrop, G. nivalis, the Summer Snowflake has tepals of equivalent size where Common Snowdrop has inner tepals that are shorter than the outer tepals. The Clemson University Home and Garden website has a fact sheet on growing Summer Snowflake and a comparison with Common Snowdrop.

Quick ID Hints:

• 6 tepals of equivalent length with green marks at the apex.
• Linear, strap-like leaves grow up to 12 inches tall.
• Two to five nodding, bell-shaped, white flowers; ovaries are inferior.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  

No known diseases. Can be susceptible to slugs and snails and bulb flies.

More information on Leucojum vernum.