Guide to Growing Garden Plants - Chionodoxa (Glory of thechr snow)
Plants of the genus Chionodoxa are small plants that are classified as hardy bulbs.
They flower from the end of winter and into early spring with blue star shaped flowers.
They reach from 7 to 20cm in height so make ideal plants for rockeries, where they should be planted in mass for a carpet effect.
Chionodoxa is known as Glory of the snow.
Chionodoxa luciliae (Glory of the snow) by Jason Sturner.
Chionodoxa flowers in the park by David Howard.
Chionodoxa forbesii by Otterman56.
Quick Chionodoxa Growing Guide and Facts
Common Names: Glory of the snow; Pale, Forbes’, Siehe’s, Lesser, Dwarf, Loch’s.
Life Cycle: Hardy bulb.
Height: 3 to 9 inches (8 to 22 cm).
Native: Mediterranean.
Growing Region: Zones 4 to 8.
Flowers: Late winter through to early spring.
Flower Details: Blue, pink, white. Star-shaped. Six petals. Pyramidal raceme.
Foliage: Two leaves. Strap-like.
Sow Outside: Seeds: 1/4 inch (6 mm). Second half of summer. Bulbs: 3 to 4 inches (8 cm). Autumn. Spacing 3 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: one to three months. Temperature 55°F (13°C). Start any time; grow for one year then transplant into the garden at the start of autumn.
Requirements: Full sunlight or partial shade. Good drainage. Soil pH 6.0 to 7.0. Rich soil, moist soil. Regular watering. Provide a spring feed. Thin out by division after five years. Propagate: Allow to self seed, or plant the bulblets once flowering has finished.
How to grow Glory of the snow - Chionodoxa
Chionodoxa bulbs should be planted outdoors at a depth of 8cm into a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden. It can also be grown from seeds, which should be sowed at a depth of about 8mm. Glory of the snow prefers to grow in a fertile soil with good drainage; ideally the soil should also be moist and have a pH of 6 to 7. They should be planted about 8cm apart to enable the plants to form a blanket.
Caring for Chionodoxa in the garden
Chionodoxa should be fertilised every couple of years and divided every five years or so.