Summer Snowflakes
Why in the world would we want Summer Snowflakes, especially when I am looking out the window at a snow covered world on November 2? Because they are a beautiful, hardy, unusual addition to zone 3 and zone 4 gardens in addition to warmer climates in zones 9 and 10. Leucojum aestivum aka Summer Snowflakes are elegant white bell-shaped flowers atop graceful slender stalks. Fall is the time to plant them and hopefully it's not too late.
One of the best assets of Summer Snowflakes is that rodents don't like them! Months of snow hide the voracious activity of our local voles. By the time spring appears, you discover that every trace of the 50 bulbs you planted last fall have disappeared. Not so with these beauties.
Summer Snowflakes are best planted in drifts or large groups of at least 15 bulbs. They will naturalize, so be sure to give them a little room. In Teton County, they usually bloom in late May/June so are a great season opener. I first came across this species in Laguna Beach, California, where they provide an excellent show in dappled shade and under trees in the winter months. I recommend the taller species, 'Gravetye Giant' for an impressive impact. A more detailed description is available by clicking on the thumbnail on the blog home page.
