Description and photo of snowdrops. Snowdrop. Milk flower. Galanthus Preparing the soil for planting

Galanthus nivalis, one of the most widespread early spring bulbous plants. It is easy to grow even in the grass among the lawn under the trees. Most snowdrops bloom early in the year, although there are some that bloom in the fall. With a few exceptions, snowdrops are very winter-hardy bulbous plants, common in nature throughout Europe, Turkey and Iran. In Russia, many rare and protected species of snowdrop grow in the Caucasus.

All snowdrops produce pendulous flowers about 6-30 mm long with six unequal tepals. The longer outer tepals are usually pure white, while the shorter inner ones form a cup in which each of the tepals is marked with characteristic green spots. Normally, plants produce two narrow green leaves, usually 2 cm wide and 15-30 cm long. The leaves are short during flowering, but subsequently become much larger.

Allenit (P. Allen)

This rare, slightly winter-hardy species produces almond-scented flowers in mid-winter. They bear one green spot on each inner tepal. The matte green leaves are relatively wide, up to 2.5 cm wide. Height - 12 cm.

G. "Arnott's Seedling"

This large plant blooms in mid-winter, its flowers reach 4 cm in length. One of its outer tepals is deformed, twisted and longer than the rest. Each inner leaf has a single green spot. Leaves with a silver stripe in the center. Winter hardiness has not been studied enough. Height - 25 cm.

G. caucasicus (P. caucasian)

A rare protected species, occasionally found in Krasnodar region. The flowers are round and bear one green spot on each inner tepal. This variable species in warm climates can bloom in late fall or winter. Forms with autumn flowering are not winter-hardy enough, while spring-flowering ones have proven themselves well in central Russia. The leaves are gray, 2.5 cm wide. Height - 15 cm.

G. elwesii (P. Elweza)

The flowers are very variable - elongated, up to 3 cm long, with two green spots on the inner “petals”. Blooms immediately after the snow melts. A plant with wide (up to 3 cm wide) gray-green leaves up to 30 cm long. It grows best in dry, chalky soil and is difficult to establish in some gardens. It grows wild in the vicinity of Odessa. Height -10-20 cm.

Gracilis (syn. G. graecus) (P. graceful)

An elegant snowdrop with gray-green leaves, 6 mm wide and 5-15 cm long, spirally twisted in some forms. Flowers appear early spring, each inner tepal bears two green spots. The plant prefers dry places. Height -10 cm.

G. ikartae ssp. ikariae (P. icariae)

The flowers are claw-shaped, 2.5 cm long, with one large green spot on each inner tepal. The plants are of Mediterranean origin, so they are not winter hardy enough. In our country, a closely related Caucasian-Turkish species is often grown - G. latifolius (P. broadleaf), which has a higher resistance to cold, but it can also freeze out in unfavorable winters. The leaves are wide, shiny, olive green. It blooms later than other species - in May. Height - up to 15 cm.

Plants of the group have broad green leaves and flowers with a V-shaped spot on each inner tepal.

G. "Lady Beatrix Stanley"

This snowdrop forms at the beginning of the season double flowers. Information about winter hardiness in middle lane No. Height - 12 cm.

G. "Magnet"

Large, 3 cm long flowers rise on this powerful plant on exceptionally long peduncles. Needs testing for winter hardiness. Height - 23 cm.

G. "Magnet"

G. "Merlin"

The characteristic flowers have almost entirely green inner tepals. Winter hardiness has not been studied enough. Height -20 cm.

G. "Merlin"

G. nivalis (P. snowy, P. snowy)

One of the most reliable winter-hardy species. Each inner tepal with a single green spot. Flowers are 1.5-2.5 cm long. The leaves are bluish-green, up to 1 cm wide and up to 20 cm long. The plant can easily adapt to light-colored lawns. Height - from 7.5 cm to 20 cm.

GALANTHUS, or SNOWDROP (Galanthus) is a genus of perennial herbs of the Amaryllis family. Includes 18 species growing in meadows, forest edges, wet rocky slopes and in the deciduous forest zone. On the territory former USSR 12 species grow.

The plant is distributed in Central and Southern Europe, on the Black Sea coast, on the western coast of the Caspian Sea and in Asia Minor. Greatest species diversity snowdrops in the Caucasus. Cultivated as ornamental. Used for planting in large groups, on discounts, alpine slides.

Russian - snowdrop, English - Snowdrop - snow earring, of course, indicate early period the flowering of this plant, “literally from under the snow.” The English call the snowdrop a snow drop or a snow earring, and the Germans call it a snow bell. For the French and Italians it is a snow driller, for the Czechs it is a snowflake. And the Bulgarians, because the plant defies winter, call itokiche, i.e. bully. These plants love spring so much that sometimes its faint breath is enough for their petals to open and shine with happiness.

The Latin name “Galanthus” presumably consists of Greek roots, translated meaning “milk flower”. This name probably reflects the delicate snow-white color of the snowdrop. Galanthus is the first to bloom, sometimes already in the February thaw, with milky white bells of flowers. In different climatic zones of Europe, snowdrops bloom at different times, from December-January to March-April. IN Western Europe, these beautiful flowers usually bloom in late January - early February.

Galanthus is often confused with spring whiteflower. They belong to the same family and have very similar flowers, but the white flower blooms later, some of its forms bloom only in June and even in autumn. Unlike galanthus, it loves moist, nutritious soils with a predominance of nitrogen.

Snowdrops are unpretentious and easily propagated by seeds and bulbs. Replanted after 5-6 years. The bulbs are small, up to 3 cm in diameter, round, fleshy, with yellowish outer scales. The leaves are gray-green, narrow-linear, saber-shaped or belt-shaped, 1-4 cm wide. The flowers are drooping, bell-shaped, 2-3 cm long. spring time need sufficient moisture. Snowdrops spend most of the year as bulbs underground. In autumn, the bulbs “wake up” and begin to grow roots. At the end of winter or spring, they begin to grow and bloom. After flowering ends and before the leaves die, the bulb stores nutrients and gains strength.

Main types and varieties of galanthus (snowdrop)

IN garden culture The most commonly used types of galanthus are:

Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and its hybrid forms are the most popular species in modern conditions. It spreads easily and quickly, gradually occupying all available space. This species has two narrow leaves of a bluish color, and the flowers have a pleasant smell; inside the perianth, the pharynx has a yellow spot. Flowering begins in April and lasts a month. There are many varieties of this snowdrop, differing in size and color of flowers, includingdiscover very spectacular terry varieties.

"Atkinsii" is a hybrid of snowdrops (G. nivalis) and folded snowdrops (G. plicatus), named after James Atkins (1804-1884), one of the first collectors and breeders of these flowers.
"Flore Pleno" - a terry variety known since 1703.
"Viridapice" - large variety, flower petals with a noticeable bright green spot;
"Sam Arnott" - up to 20 cm, gray-green leaves, fragrant very large flowers.

Snowdrop (Galanthus plicatus) - the most decorative look, an inhabitant of the mountain forests of Crimea, can be considered endemic, since this species is not found anywhere else in nature. This is one of the most large species galanthus, whose leaves have a folded shape, bluish-green color and slightly curved edges downwards. The height of the peduncles is 30 cm, and the flowers up to 3 cm in diameter exude a magnificent aroma. It blooms in its homeland from February to April for 60-70 days. In garden culture, its flowering period is reduced to 1 month, and wintering requires light shelter. Easily propagated by self-sowing. This species even has a variety with double flowers.

Elvis's snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii) is another well-known species. It was first introduced to Europe from Turkey in 1874. Elvis has two characteristic green spots on its inner petals, which distinguishes it from other snowdrops. It also differs from snow-white in having higher peduncles, longer and wider leaves and more early dates flowering. Has at least 15 garden forms.

Popular varieties of Elvis snowdrop:

"Comet" - a variety with a large, well-built flower on a long arched peduncle; green markings on the outer segments vary significantly;
"Two Eyes" is a variety with two small spots at the base of each internal segment and a heart-shaped mark at the apex;
"Kite" is a variety with two flowers on a divided peduncle.

Voronow's snowdrop (Galanthus woronowii) is a plant with wide leaves and small white flowers, the inner petals of which appear to be shaded green. It grows quickly and forms entire colonies, so division will be required every 2-3 years.

Snowdrop (Galanthus platyphyllus) - green shiny leaves, up to 4 cm wide, drooping flowers have a faint aroma, flowering occurs from mid-April to mid-May. The most valuable species for garden cultivation in the northern regions. In the south, it blooms much later, and with the onset of warmth, some of the buds wither without blooming.

Alpine snowdrop (Galanthus alpinus Sosn.) - found from the lower forest to the alpine mountain belt, among sparse bushes, on limestone rock outcrops, in alpine pastures of Western and Southwestern Transcaucasia. The bulb is up to 3.5 cm in length and up to 2 cm in diameter. The leaves are dark green, broadly lanceolate. The outer tepals are concave, obovate, up to 2 cm long and up to 1 cm wide, the inner ones are half as large, wedge-shaped, with a notch and a green spot around the notch. Blooms in the first half of spring.

Bortkevich's snowdrop (Galanthus bortkewitschianus G. Koss). Rare species. It is found in the North Caucasus under the canopy of beech forest on loose humus soil. The bulb is up to 4 cm in length and up to 3 cm in diameter. The leaves are dark green, glaucous, lanceolate, and after flowering up to 30 cm in length. Peduncle 4-6 cm in height. The outer leaves are up to 1.5 cm long and up to 1 cm wide, the inner ones are shorter, with a notch and a green spot at the apex. Blooms in the first half of spring.

Caucasian snowdrop (Galanthus caucasicus (Baker) Grossh.). Grows in mountain forests of the middle and lower zones of Central Transcaucasia. The bulb is up to 4 cm in length and up to 2 cm in diameter. The leaves are dark green, glaucous, linear, and after flowering up to 18 cm in length. Peduncle up to 6 cm in height. The outer leaves are concave, obovate, up to 2 cm in length and up to 1.2 cm in width, the inner ones are wedge-shaped, half the size of the outer ones, with a spot around the notch at the apex. Blooms in early spring.

As soon as the first spring sun warms the ground a little, small green bushes with delicate white bells begin to peek out from the snow cover. These are galanthus telling us that cold winter retreats, very soon nature will wake up and everything around will turn green.

Lovely plants from the amaryllis family are better known as snowdrops and are often found on forest edges, meadows or rocky slopes. But their charming bloom and delicate aroma are so attractive that they began to grow the culture at home. Why not, because snowdrops are absolutely not demanding, and they will decorate the area at a time when the rest of the flowers are still in the stage of deep dormancy.

Where is the best place to plant a plant called “galanthus” and what needs to be done to create conditions for it that are as close to natural as possible? Let's talk about this today.

Choosing a flower bed for galanthus

Snowdrops love the sun very much and are sensitive to its warmth: it is this that encourages them to wake up from hibernation as quickly as possible. To plant primroses, it is better to take a sunny place in the foreground of the flowerbed - there the white bells will be clearly visible. However, galanthus are also capable of growing in light partial shade, but heavily shaded places in the depths of the site are definitely not suitable for them.

In deep shade the soil is usually too wet and for a long time does not dry out, which negatively affects the development of the plant. Bulbs from excess moisture can begin to hurt and rot, and besides, the flowering itself will not be so early and abundant.

As for the soil, snowdrops, or galanthus, prefer light, loose soil. Poor and hard clay soil requires preliminary preparation, namely entering:

sand;
humus or other organic fertilizers.

When can you plant galanthus?

Most often, snowdrops are propagated by bulbs. There are two ways to plant them:

early spring;
from late summer until mid-autumn (if it is warm).

When purchasing galanthus, you should choose large and healthy bulbs, without signs of mechanical damage and rotting.

If necessary, purchased seed material can be stored briefly in sawdust or shavings, but not more than 1 month, otherwise the bulbs may dry out. To extend the shelf life to 3 months, galanthus should be placed in peat or moss and kept moist all this time until the bulbs are planted.

If you got an already formed and flowering bush, you can plant it too, but it’s more likely forced measure than the rule. It is not recommended to propagate the galanthus flower in this way, since flowering plant the bulb has already given up most of its strength. A weakened bulb will not be able to provide adequate nutrition, and as a result, the entire above-ground part will quickly wither. Moreover, next spring such a bush may not even bloom at all, or its flowering will be scanty.

There is another way to propagate snowdrops - by seed. It is also used at home, and the seeds are sown immediately in open ground in early spring, bypassing the stage of growing seedlings.

Since the seeds lose their viability very quickly, they are not stored, but sown shallowly as quickly as possible.

Most varieties of galanthus, photos of which are presented below, reproduce well by self-sowing.

All that remains is to transplant the bushes that have grown next to the mother plant into a separate flowerbed so as not to thicken the plantings.

How to plant bulbs?

Snowdrops look very beautiful when planted in groups, so it is better to plant the bulbs in small “groups”, leaving a distance of at least 3 cm between them.

There is no need to deepen the bulbs too much. But if this does happen, it’s okay, the galanthus themselves will adjust the planting and daughter bulbs will form at the optimal depth for them.

When planting bulbs, galanthus will bloom in the second year, but a plant obtained from seeds will bloom only in the 4th year of life.

How to properly care for primroses?

Planting flowers and caring for open ground caring for galanthus is not at all difficult, and will not cause much trouble for gardeners. It is necessary to water the flowerbed only if the winter has had little snow and spring does not spoil it with rain. The rest of the time, snowdrops only need the moisture that forms in the garden after the snowdrifts melt.

Snowdrops should be fed only during the period of their active growth, using potassium phosphate fertilizers. Nitrogen-containing preparations should be used in minimal doses, since they actively cause plants to grow foliage. A dense bush will not only “forget” about flowering, but may also begin to hurt.

In the description of galanthus in any scientific literature, one of their main advantages is the high frost resistance of the crop, and this is absolutely true: snowdrops winter well even without additional shelter.

In the fifth year of life, galanthus need to be transplanted. Usually by this time the bush consists of a large number of bulbs, so at the same time as transplanting, young bulbs are separated and planted.

Perhaps this is all that is worth knowing when planning planting and caring for galanthus. Grow the first heralds of spring at home and enjoy them extraordinarily beautiful flowering and a delicate aroma!

The primrose about which fairy tales are told. A flower familiar from childhood, it is endangered because its touching beauty encourages people to mindlessly tear bouquets, often with bulbs. We will talk about a well-known plant that is the first to emerge from under the spring snow.

First, two leaves protrude from under the snow cover, and then the plant blooms with small bells. Snowdrops are not afraid of the vagaries of nature. They can easily tolerate biting frosts, rains and snowfalls. Snowdrop flowers are considered a harbinger of spring. With all their appearance they shout that spring is coming and winter is a thing of the past.

Description of snowdrop galanthus

Snowdrop belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is also called Galanthus. Snowdrop is a perennial herb. There are 18 varieties in total, native to Europe and Asia. The leader in snowdrops is the Caucasus. It contains 16 varieties. But no scientist is sure about the exact number of species. Disputes about the identity of this or that flower are ongoing.

Snowdrops are small in size, have two leaves about 15 cm long. There are single, drooping and bell-shaped types of flowers. The perianth is white and has six leaves. The scent of snowdrops is delicate and unobtrusive. Snowdrops have round fruits and dark-colored seeds. The seeds attract ants, who take them away, spreading the flowers throughout the area.

About the bulbs. consists of scales and bottom. Buds appear in the scales, and later new bulbs form from them. The upper layers of scales perform a protective function. These scales are the thinnest and black in color. The top of the bulb is covered with a brown skin. The bulb absorbs and absorbs the beneficial nutrients the snowdrop needs to survive alone in difficult conditions. The snowdrop “sleeps” for 9 months and instantly blooms at the right time.

Curious facts

Every species of snowdrop is protected, and several species are considered endangered and need saving.

The snowdrop is named due to its early appearance. When it blooms, the ground is covered with snow. The second name, galanthus, comes from Greece. Translated: "milk flower". The flower received its second name because of its delicate white color.

Legends were made about these flowers. One is about Adam and Eve. On the day of their expulsion there was snowfall. Eva remembered the fabulous warm days gone by and burst into tears. Suddenly several snowflakes became snowdrop flowers. Because of this, snowdrops are called the first flowers on the planet.

Planting and caring for galanthus in open ground

It is advisable to plant at the end of summer. Suitable months: July, August, September. During this period, the bulbs remain dormant. You'll be lucky when autumn drags on and the cold doesn't set in, so planting can be delayed until November. You can buy snowdrops in bloom, but this is a bad idea. The leaves will begin to die after transplantation, but life will remain in the bulb. Yes, the snowdrop will live, but next spring it will bloom poorly or not a single flower will appear.

Evaluate the bulbs before purchasing. Choose heavy ones with solid shells. There should be no shoots. If there are shoots, then do not delay planting. Plant snowdrops within the first hours after purchase. Cuts are not terrible either, but in the area of scales. The bottom should be good and solid. If the bulb does not have a top, but the bottom and buds remain, the bulb is capable of blooming. Be careful: if the onion is bruised, it has begun to rot. And this is irreparable.

There is nothing special about planting snowdrops

The bulb is buried in loose soil to a shallow depth equal to two bulbs. But still, the depth should exceed 5 cm. You don’t have to worry about this - even if you plant the snowdrops inaccurately, the bulb will adjust the depth itself.
Consider important feature: If the bulb is planted shallow, it will begin to shrink but bear fruit well, and if deeper, the plant will increase in size.

Growing conditions

It is better to plant snowdrops in the shade, but not in the cold. The soil should be warmed by the sun's rays. If you are replanting a wild one, wildflower, it is better to choose a bright sunny area.

Snowdrops count. Loose, moist soil is suitable for them.
Flowers do not like low areas of land with standing water; they suffer from windy, high and dry areas.
If the soil is hard and clayey, you need to add sand there.
Snowdrops do not need regular watering. Watering should only be done in case of drought and lack of rainfall. Snowdrops are able to exist independently, separately.

Snowdrops reproduce quickly by self-seeding. Buy snowdrop seeds in August and seedlings in the winter months. Most often, plants are purchased from big flowers and early flowering. Specialized garden stores have large selection snowdrop seeds.

How to care for snowdrops?

Do not cut off the leaves until they are completely dead.
During the growth period of the plant, do not forget to fertilize it with inorganic means. Make sure that the fertilizer should not contain nitrogen. Nitrogen provokes excessive leaf growth, leading to disease and fungal diseases. It is useful to fertilize with potassium and phosphates. Potassium strengthens the bulbs and prepares them for winter season. Phosphorus has a positive effect on flowers.
During the growth period, snowdrops require a lot of water. Nature provides plants on its own the right amount liquid, but in case of drought the gardener will have to take care of this. This is not difficult, the flowers are resistant to any weather and will not die even in the event of drought. They will only grow weakly. And flowers can sow seeds on their own.

How do snowdrops reproduce?

Snowdrops are distinguished by vegetative propagation. In one season, 2-3 bulbs appear. The folded variety reproduces more actively than the others; it forms 3-4 bulbs. Replant approximately at the end of summer, at the beginning of autumn, when the leaves die. A transplanted plant will not survive one hundred percent in the spring. It is advisable to replant flowers after five years, but flowers can feel great without replanting.

Snowdrops can also reproduce using seeds. Sowing is possible after harvesting. In this case, flowers can be expected for 4-5 years. If you plant a snowdrop in a comfortable environment, it will reproduce by self-seeding.

Application

Snowdrops can be used as decoration and home decoration. Bouquets of snowdrops do not wither for a long time and stand in water for a long time. Snowdrops look bright and elegant. Snowdrops also effectively decorate gardens. In the form of “carpets”, snow-white lawns on a clean lawn, flowers look advantageous.

Snowdrops should be planted together, several dozen at a time. Snowdrops have one drawback: the above-ground part dies off early. You can get rid of this drawback by planting the plant in a flower garden. They can be planted next to large flowers with voluminous leaves. The main thing is not to completely deprive flowers of light during the active period. When planting, choose the illuminated side. During the rest period, they are not afraid of shadows and darkness.

Don’t worry about falling leaves, you don’t need to remove them, they are a hindrance to the flowers. Snowdrops will inevitably grow through them in spring. Rotten leaves provide great nutrition to the bulbs and help maintain moisture. If you need to remove old foliage, do it in the fall. In spring, you run the risk of damaging young plants.

Partnership

Snowdrops are combined with lungwort, primrose, scillas and corydalis. It is permissible to plant snowdrops with perennial plants: peonies or ferns.

Varieties of snowdrop

Galanthus snowy or snow-white Galanthus nivalis

It grows in the south of Russia, mainly in the Caucasus, Europe and the Mediterranean. It has a bulbous shape. Appears in early spring. The leaves reach up to 10 cm in length, have a dark color with a bluish or green tint. The bulb is round in shape, diameter less than 2 cm. Flower size does not exceed 12 cm.

Flowers grow solitary, medium in size, diameter less than 3 cm. Snow galanthus white, with a green speck at the ends, smells nice. The outer perianth leaves are oblong in shape. The leaves on the inside are wedge-shaped and smaller than the outside ones. The snow-white snowdrop blooms among its own kind, in last week March or the first week of early April. Flowering continues for a month.

Galanthus Caucasian or Alpine Galanthus alpinus = Galanthus caucasicus

The variety can be found in the Caucasus or northern Iran. The leaves are bluish in color, flat, long - up to 30 cm. Peduncles do not exceed 10 cm. The flowers have a delicate aroma, diameter 1.5 cm, reach 2 cm in length. At the end of the perianth inside green spot. Blooms for a short period of time: 2 weeks. Flowering begins in the first days of April. It produces fruit unsteadily. Shelter is required for overwintering.

Galanthus plicatus

Wild flowers can be seen in the mountains of Crimea. It is a Crimean and Moldavian endemic. It is larger in size than other types of snowdrops. When the folded galanthus begins to bloom, its leaves have a bluish tint, over time they begin to shine and acquire a dark green color. The peduncle reaches 16 cm in height. The diameter of the flowers is 4 cm, length 2.5 - 3 cm. Flowering period: at least 20 days. Blooms early, in early March. The bulb has an egg shape. Leaves remain until last days July. The summer sun helps them replenish their energy. They die off in August.

Galanthus broadleaf or flat-leaved Galanthus platyphyllus

Grows in Western and Eastern Transcaucasia. Since it is a northern species, it is very cold-tolerant. There is no bluish tint on the leaves. The diameter of the flower reaches 4 cm, length - 3 cm. The smell is weak, practically not felt. It blooms for 30 days, its flowering month is April. The bulbs are shaped like a cone, sometimes an egg. Bulb size: 5*3 cm.

Elwes galanthus galanthus elwesii

The snowdrop species came from Asia Minor. The variety is large in size, reaching considerable height at the peak of its growth. Peduncles sometimes extend 25 cm upward. Galanthus Elwesa is distinguished by its wide-shaped leaves. The width can reach 2 cm. The leaves have a bluish tint. The flowers are crystal white and spherical in shape. The flower of this variety is large and voluminous in size. The peculiarity of Galanthus Elwes is that it blooms in winter, in February.

Voronov's snowdrop Galanthus woronowii

Yellow scales are clearly visible on the bulb. Its diameter is 3 cm. Voronov's snowdrop has a silver-colored stem and a ribbed structure. Its height is less than 25 cm. The leaves are sharp at the ends and widen towards the top. Leaf color is pale green. The length of the leaves coincides with the stem, 20-25 cm. When Voronov’s snowdrop first emerges, its leaves look flat, then they become longer than the stem, and folds form.

The folds are wrapped towards outside. This variety blooms early, usually in February-March. If circumstances are favorable, Voronov’s snowdrop can bloom in January. Leaves peek out of the snow at the same time as flowers. The variety grows in Western Transcaucasia, forest areas of the mountain complex. It is possible to see Voronov’s snowdrop abroad. This is the Turkish coast, the island of Ikaria, located in the Aegean Sea.

Diseases and pests

Moles and mice. Mice with moles mainly damage the bulbs; rodents dig holes to live in at the planting site. The mouse unceremoniously grabs the onion, running away with it into the “house”. If there is damage on the bulb, then rotting processes begin. An inferior, weak, non-viable plant grows from a rotten bulb.

The situation can be fixed. The bulb must be dug out of the ground, parts with signs of rotting must be cut out, and the remaining area must be sprinkled with ash. To ensure that the ash is successfully absorbed, hold the onion on outdoors, then bury it. Preventive measures the following: do not place turf with grass near the plantings. Mice love to live in the grass. The disgusting rodents move within 3 m of their nest. If you cannot change the location of the bed, set traps. Find the instructions and follow them strictly. Keep in mind that mice can be easily caught using plant bait.

Caterpillars and butterflies. A well-known enemy of snowdrop bulbs. The caterpillars look thick, gray. In autumn, caterpillars are easy to see and destroy. IN autumn period pests are preparing to pupate.

Slugs. Slugs live underground. These pests prefer heavy clay soil. Getting rid of slugs is not difficult, any farmer can do it. Effective slug control products are sold. But it’s realistic to solve the problem yourself. When burying the bulb underground, surround it with large flakes of sand.

Bulb nematode. The nematode is a small thin worm. The nematode lives inside the soil. Capable of living inside dead or partially dying plants. Harmful to healthy bulbs. The leaves are affected by yellow pimples popping up along the edges. The healthy part is separated from the affected part by a black ring. Such signs allow us to conclude that the plant has been damaged by bulb nematodes.

There is only one way out: dig up the affected flowers and later get rid of them. Untouched healthy plants also need to be taken care of. Dig the snowdrops out of the ground and leave them in hot water. The water temperature should reach less than 45 degrees, but more than 40. Transplant the snowdrops to another area; do not plant in the empty area for the next 5 years.

Viruses. Viruses are like marks on foliage. The marks are pale green or yellow. Infection of a plant by viruses is indicated by unnatural leaf covering, dents, curls, and bumps. Get rid of the infected snowdrop before the infection spreads to other flowers. There is no need to worry about the seeds. The plant disease does not affect the seed. Replant bad plant, with this you can give the snowdrop new life.

Fungal infections. You can independently calculate the appearance of the fungus by three signs: a gray coating resembling fluff, blackening and dark marks on the foliage. All signs are formed during dampness, but in the absence of severe cold. The disease appears first at soil level, but later rises higher and higher. If gray mold or spots resembling rust are noticeable on the snowdrop, keep in mind that the flower is infected with a fungus.

Carefully remove the contaminated parts by throwing them into the fire. There is no need to get rid of the plant; it is not hopeless. Find the appropriate instructions for garden care, treating plants with fungicides. Follow the instructions strictly and the snowdrop will be saved!

Chlorosis. Chlorosis is the yellowing of snowdrop leaves. People who believe that chlorosis is caused by soil quality and lack of nutrients lands, they are making a big mistake. Snowdrop leaves turn yellow due to disease, and not due to soil deficiencies. Chlorosis can appear due to improper plant care. The farmer must create necessary conditions for a plant, pay attention to the sun's rays hitting the flower, ensure drainage. If there is little rainfall, the snowdrop does not receive from nature required quantity moisture, the gardener must water it manually.

You can leave useful comments, tell about personal experience growing snowdrops.

They appear early in the spring, some of them directly from under the snow, without fear of frost. Sometimes they are called snowdrops, without distinguishing who is who. These are mainly bulbous plants, in which, starting in the fall, processes begin to prepare for future flowering. Therefore, as soon as the temperature reaches a certain level, they appear, unable to contain the life force seething within them. Modest in appearance, after the winter, which has accustomed us to only white paint, they seem very beautiful. To achieve a stronger decorative effect Primroses are best planted in large groups. Many of them have been known to us since childhood, and some we have recently become acquainted with.

Snowdrop or galanthus ( Galathus) from the amaryllis family ( Amaryllidaceae) is known, of course, to everyone. In the colorful whirlwind of summer blooms, we probably would not have noticed its modest appearance. And in early spring, sometimes growing right out of the snow, we are pleased with thin, graceful peduncles with white flowers of six leaves. The outer leaves are oval or ovate, the inner ones are about half as long as the outer ones, with a notch, with green or yellow spot. Snowdrops are native to Europe and Western Asia. There are 18 known wild species of snowdrop. Several dozen varieties have been bred based on these species.

It is best to grow galanthus in loamy, well-fertilized soil. Can also be grown on calcareous soils. Snowdrops grow both in open spaces and in partial shade. Under no circumstances should they be fertilized or planted in soil that has recently been amended with fresh manure (this applies to all bulbous plants). Snowdrops are propagated vegetatively by dividing nests of bulbs. Excavation is carried out after 5-6 years of cultivation in one place. This is usually done after flowering or at the end of the growing season. Seed propagation is also possible. Sometimes it self-sows.

Scilla or scylla (Scilla) - graceful perennial bulbous plant from the lily family ( Liliaceae) with blue, light blue (less often purple or white) flowers collected in a loose cluster. It blooms at the same time as the snowdrop, which is why it is sometimes called the “blue snowdrop.” Grows wildly in Africa, southern Europe, and Asia. About 80 species of scilla are known. There are species that bloom in autumn. Prefers loose soil, moist, with leaf humus. Grows best in partial shade. Propagated vegetatively - by daughter bulbs. It grows in one place for 5-6 years. Seed propagation is also possible (with freshly collected seeds); seedlings bloom in 3-4 years. Sometimes it self-sows.

Muscari inflorescences ( Muscari), or mouse hyacinth from the lily family ( Liliaceae) look like a jewel assembled from blue, light blue or purple beads. These are small flowers with bent or straight teeth along the edge. Muscari blooms later than snowdrop, about two weeks (depending on the species or variety). Found in the wild in Mediterranean countries, North America, Asia, in some European countries. There are 60 known species of muscari.

Several types of muscari and dozens of varieties are used in gardening. Propagated vegetatively (by daughter bulbs). Transplantation and division are carried out as they grow, usually after 4-5 years. Bulbs are planted in the fall. Seed propagation is also possible. Seeds (preferably freshly harvested) are sown before winter, the emerging shoots in the spring sprout at a distance of 2-3 cm, the seedlings bloom in the 4-5th year of cultivation.

Iridodictium ( Iridodictyum) – the name is not very familiar to our ears, but meanwhile, outwardly it is a familiar iris. Iridodictium has been separated by botanists from the genus Iris into an independent genus. Instead of the traditional rhizome for the iris, it has a bulb, which is why it is sometimes called bulbous iris. Belongs to the same family as iris, iris or iris family ( Iridaceae). Found in Asia and Transcaucasia. About 10 species of Iridodictium are known. Varieties with various flower colors have been bred: violet, white, blue, purple, brown and others. Prefers dry, open, sunny places without stagnant moisture, fertile soils. Can grow on the lawn. Propagated vegetatively by daughter bulbs. Seed propagation is also possible.

Crocus, or saffron (Crocus) from the iris or iris family, it belongs to the group of corms. Grows wild in Europe and Asia. About 80 species are known. The crocus has a very interesting flower– a funnel-shaped single flower appears from the bulb on a long narrow tube (it is formed from fused perianth segments). Sometimes a crocus grows two or three flowers. The colors of the flowers are very diverse: white, blue, yellow, purple, with stripes. In cloudy weather and in the evening, the flowers close. Many varieties have been developed. In addition to spring-flowering crocuses, there are autumn-flowering species, and, accordingly, varieties bred with their participation. They prefer light, loose, fertile soil with a good drainage layer.

Crocuses are propagated vegetatively, by small corms that form around the main replacement bulb, which is renewed annually. Crocuses grow in one place without transplantation for 2-3 years. Seed propagation is also possible. Seeds (freshly collected) are sown before winter, planted in the second year of cultivation at a distance of 3-4 cm, seedlings bloom in 3-4 years. Interestingly, seasonings, medicines and incense were made from saffron even before our era. But, most importantly, a yellow dye was made from it, which was used for fabrics from which robes were sewn for kings and emperors.

Corydalis ( Corydalis) belongs to tuberous plants and is a typical inhabitant of our temperate zone. More than three hundred species of corydalis are known, among which there are also annual plants. Belongs to the smoke family ( Fumariaceae). A very delicate openwork plant with double- or triple-triple leaves and small flowers irregular shape, collected in brushes. The color of the flowers is white, yellow, lilac, pink. They propagate by tubers, which are dug up while the above-ground part is still visible, which dies off very quickly, after which it is very difficult to find a small tuber in the ground. Seed propagation by freshly harvested seeds is also possible (they quickly lose their germination capacity).

And one more thing. It was for snowdrops that the wicked stepmother from the famous fairy tale sent her stepdaughter into the forest in winter. And maybe for good reason. After all, many bulbous, corm and tuberous plants, including those listed above, are suitable for forcing, and (with special preparation) they bloom even in room conditions. So, although not in the forest, the hardworking stepdaughter could very well get snowdrops in winter.