Facts of the Month – March

 

What do you know about Snowdrops?

 

 

Some have nice names, some have funny names.

 

Look at these!

Galanthus - Ding Dong	Galanthus - Green Man
Galantus - Robin Hood	Galanthus - Wendy's Gold
Galanthus - Uncle Dick	Galanthus - Jessica
Galanthus - Lady Beatrix Stanley	Galanthus - Blewbury Tart

• There are over 100 different species and varieties of Snowdrops.

 

• The Latin name for snowdrops is Galanthus.

 

• Galanthus means ‘milk-white flowers’.

 

• Snowdrops usually flower in early Spring.

 

• Some snowdrops flower in December.

 

• Fanatical collectors of Snowdrops are called ‘Galanthophiles’.

 

• Snowdrops can be single or double.

 

• Snowdrops can be recognised by their green, or yellow, markings.

 

• As the snow in their name suggests, Snowdrops may not even wait for the snow to melt before emerging from their winter sleep, instead pushing right up through the snow a delightful sight for the winter-weary.

 

·                          Three thousand years ago, in Homer's epic poem Odyssey, the god Mercury (Hermes) gave Ulysses an herb called Moly. Moly herb (Galanthus nivalis) made Ulysses immune to the forgetfulness poisons of the witch Circe and counteracted the amnesia that Circe had inflicted on his crew.

 

·                          In Greek and Roman mythology, Mercury is known as the Messenger for the Gods and the BRINGER OF DREAMS. By having the Bringer of Dreams give Ulysses this herb, perhaps Homer was also conveying the historically known dream enhancing benefits of this extract.

 

 

·                          Crimean snowdrop, Galanthus plicatus, Giant snowdrop, Galanthus elwesii, are the notable species.

Growing Snowdrops

·                          Bulbs prefer full sun, a rich, well-draining soil.

·                          Compost or other organic matter should be added.

·                          The soil should be cultivated and loosened to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches.

·                          Either dig a trench for a bed planting or individual holes for individual bulbs or small clusters.

·                          Plant the bulbs by placing them into position. (Never push or force the bulb into the soil).

Snowdrop Plant Care

·                          Avoid planting single bulbs, Small groups are best.

·                          Congested clumps will eventually fail to flower.

·                          Make sure that neighbouring plants are not smothering the snowdrops, either with their roots are their leaves.

·                          Move the snowdrops to a new location if necessary.

·                          Snowdrops can be planted either in the autumn as dormant bulbs.