Description
Glory-of-the-snow is a charming plant that grows wild in Asia Minor. It is one of the first flowers to appear in spring, often while snow still lies on the ground. Each plant produces 2–3 stems bearing pretty, lively clusters of light blue, star-shaped flowers with white centres. Its leaves are fairly long and narrow. It grows up to 15 cm tall and forms beautiful violet-blue carpets. Glory-of-the-snow is common in gardens and much loved by gardeners.
It gives the garden a lovely spring look. It is excellent for rock gardens, sunny woodland areas and lawns. It looks wonderful combined with tulips, daffodils and snowdrops.
Requirements
Glory-of-the-snow grows best in light, free-draining, humus-rich, adequately moist soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade.
Propagation
It is propagated by dividing the bulbs.
Care
Plant the bulbs in September fairly close together, 5–10 cm apart, about 5 cm deep. The bulbs can be lifted in autumn; it is worth doing this every few years, because once the plants form dense clumps they flower less well. Store the lifted bulbs in a dry, dark, well-ventilated place at 17–20°C.
After flowering the leaves wither and fall off; it is worth removing them to keep the garden tidy. Feeding is not essential, but you can give a little extra potassium and phosphorus at planting time.