Snowdrops in the sun.

[David Lowndes]

I’ve been able to build three new beds this winter. Two are in shade and done with Snowdrops in mind but the third is in full sun,warm and dry and south facing.  I will plant some dwarf shrubs in a Mediterranean style planting but it is mainly for species peonies and bulbs that need a summer baking.  It will have some shade once the shrubs are planted.  I’m wondering about planting some species Galanthus there.  I’m thinking peshmenii, lagodechianus, ciliciusand graecus.  Any advice from anyone?

[Gail]

I've got G. fosteri doing well at the base of a south-facing wall. It is recorded as growing in "cool, north-facing, shady habitats" but that is in Lebanon not Norfolk...

[fermi de Sousa]

Hi David,
Here in Central Victoria I've been growing Galanthus elwesii in rock garden beds in full sun which get very little water over summer. They have also started self seeding so are quite settled in!
You can see the posts I've made over the last few years
cheers
fermi

[Alan_b]

Although I am in the UK, I was also going to suggest that Galanthus elwesii might well enjoy a sunny position.  The first snowdrop cultivar I ever bought was Galanthus elwesii 'Peter Gatehouse' and because I have had it a long time I have more of this cultivar than any other.  This gave me the opportunity to try it all over my previous garden.  It was less happy in dry shade than in full sun and the more shaded plants flowered later.  Now my dry shade was very dry so it may have been the lack of water in autumn that it disliked there - but it didn't seem to have any dislike of sun.   

[deee]

Ive been pushing some snowdrops into very south facing dry soil over the last two years.

So far most elwesii seem very happy as do a lot of gracilis. Im at the top of a stony valley in very exposed full south facing and very hot when the weather picks up -- Like you will be trying to try new species types in this situation as i can get hold of them.

In fact can anyone recommend a supplier for some of the less common 'species' galanthus in the uk ? or anyone that wants to do some swaps - ive quite a few Bulgarian gracilis purchased this year that look great - large type not the more usual small type.

[Brian Ellis]

Whatever you plant there I would be inclined to mulch with grit or gravel as the moisture trapped beneath it would stop the bulbs dessicating as can happen when they receive no water in the summer.

[David Lowndes]

Thanks everyone. That’s all very interesting.  Brian raises an important point about my plan.  Too dry and the bulbs shrivel, too moist and they rot.  Strangely I had the rot problem in a few of my pots after last summer’s drought but these were new, small bulbs from only one supplier so quite a few variables to consider.  Other potted drops were fine including Ronald Mackenzie which can be fickle.  Thankfully these bulbs were replaced as they had been quite expensive.

We are on a hill of clay but a layer of sandy river deposits cap the hill - about 50cms depth.  So I have good drainage to a limited depth.  In winter, lower parts of the garden can flood.  I will raise this bed and use plenty of grit andleaf mould ( I have made vast quantities). I plan to use biochar and Trichoderma too.  Thanks again for all the ideas folks.

[Blonde Ingrid]

Strangely I had the rot problem in a few of my pots after last summer’s drought

these were new

small bulbs

from only one supplier

they had been quite expensive

Mystery solved!

[Brian Ellis]

Nonethless Ingrid, with care they would have survived no doubt, any small snowdrop bulb would need to be carefully grown for the first year to ensure money wasn't wasted - and even then you could be subject to insect damage or rot!  I have been given snowdrops that are no bigger than a rice grain which have survived after the first years careful treatment.

[Blonde Ingrid]

Well, as long as the bulbs are advertised as being small and are offered at a reduced price, there would be little cause for complaint.

Strange, however, that growing conditions, care, insect damage and rot have impacted bulbs from only one supplier.

[Brian Ellis]

Well, as long as the bulbs are advertised as being small and are offered at a reduced price, there would be little cause for complaint.

Strange, however, that growing conditions, care, insect damage and rot have impacted bulbs from only one supplier.

Well I could remind you of the perfectly good, mature bulb of G.gracilis 'Twilight' which you lost - it happens!

[Blonde Ingrid]

A pertinent reminder, as it represents the only source from which I have incurred two lost drops! Gives a perfect example of clustered problem bulbs.

I am assuming that the bulbs were not "advertised as being small and are offered at a reduced price" then.

[Brian Ellis]

A pertinent reminder, as it represents the only source from which I have incurred two lost drops! Gives a perfect example of clustered problem bulbs.

I am assuming that the bulbs were not "advertised as being small and are offered at a reduced price" then.

Very sad as others who were given them managed to keep them Ingrid.

[Blonde Ingrid]

Not really, I have acquired both varieties from alternative sources and they are doing very well.

[Brian Ellis]

Not really, I have acquired both varieties from alternative sources and they are doing very well.

Well that is good Ingrid, except of course it was only one variety which I replaced for you....