Botanical Name: Leucojum aestivum
Add
Common Name: Summer Snowflake  
Plant photo of: Leucojum aestivum
Previous Photo     Next Photo

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial, Bulb

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:
  • Description

  • Notes

This species of snowflake blooms a couple of weeks later than L. vernum, about the time tulips and daffodils are blooming. The pendant flowers look like white bells tipped with a dot of emerald green, with multiple flowers dangling on stems like so many ringing bells. The leaves are strap-like Leaves are strap-like, with the plant being about 12 to 18 inches tall. Flowers are mildly fragrant.
Grow in full sun to part shade in well drained soil. Though it will tolerate regular irrigation, it will also thrive in a border that receives only periodic summer watering, though the soil should be a loamy mix. Brent Heath (Brent and Becky's Bulbs) recommends planting 5 to 6 bulbs per square foot to create a pleasing mass. For more general information on selecting, planting, and caring for bulbs, please see the Guides.