The Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum are bulbs of the summer snowflake, a graceful bulbous plant with white, bell-shaped flowers that carry a green dot at the tip of each petal. Several bells hang together on every stem. The plants grow to around 40 to 50 centimetres tall and have narrow, glossy leaves. Despite their name they flower in late spring, and they are strong, long-lived and rarely troubled by disease.

The bulbs are size 8/9. They suit the border, the edge of a pond or ditch, a large pot and grass or the area under trees, where they naturalise. They also last well as cut flowers. With 20 bulbs you fill a large pot or a spot between perennials, with 40 bulbs a generous group in the border. With 80 bulbs you plant a strip along the water; with 160 or 320 bulbs you can let them naturalise in grass or under trees. Allow 25 to 40 bulbs per square metre. Combine them with other flower bulbs that flower in late spring, such as late daffodils. You will find more greenery for outdoors among our outdoor plants.

When should you plant the Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum?

The planting season for the Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum runs from mid-October to the end of November, once the soil has dropped below 10 °C. As long as there is no frost in the ground, December also works. In autumn the bulbs first form roots, and the winter cold ensures that they make flower buds in spring. Planting in spring therefore gives no flowers.

When do the Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum flower?

The Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum flower from April to June, well after the snowdrops. Because each stem has several bells that open one after another, a plant stays in flower for three to four weeks. In a sheltered, warm spot they start earlier, after a cool spring later. They return every year and form ever larger clumps in a moist spot.

Care and tips Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum

Plant the bulbs pointed end up at a depth of about 10 centimetres and keep 10 to 15 centimetres between them. Summer snowflakes grow best in fertile, moisture-retentive soil, even heavy clay; improve sandy soil with compost. In a pot, holes in the base and a drainage layer are still needed; you will find a suitable model among our outdoor pots and baskets. After flowering, only remove the spent stems and let the foliage yellow. If the clumps become too dense after a few years, you can divide them in summer. A little compost in autumn is enough as food.

Water needs of the Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum

Unlike most bulbs, summer snowflakes like moist soil; in the wild they grow in floodplains and along rivers. In the garden you therefore rarely need to water them, except in a dry spring. In a pot the compost dries out faster: keep it well moist during growth and flowering, but do not leave water in the saucer.

Light needs of the Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum

Partial shade is the best spot for summer snowflakes, for example under trees or at the edge of a shrub. They also tolerate sun as long as the soil stays moist. In deep shade the stems grow longer and they flower less freely.

Are the Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum toxic?

The Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum are mildly toxic if ingested, especially the bulb. Keep them out of reach of pets and young children.

How will my Summer snowflake bulbs Aestivum be shipped?

Your bulbs are carefully packed and shipped. That way they arrive safely and fresh from the grower.