Leucojum (Giant Snowflake)

Leucojum: A Welcome Sight In The Spring Garden
Leucojum belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes the better-known little brother, the Snowdrop. The genus contains two recognized species: Leucojum “Aestivum” and Leucojum “Vernum”. Native to Europe and parts of Western Asia, this perennial bulb has long been valued for its elegant appearance in gardens from mid-spring to late spring. In the wild, it can be found in marshy meadows, wet forests, and the reeds along streams.

Both spring-blooming bulbs have nodding, bell-shaped white flowers and green to yellow tips. The narrow, strap-like leaves form a tidy base that offers structure before and after bloom time. Leucojum brings a sense of maturity and balance to your garden.  

While Giant Snowflakes aren’t fragrant, their ability to return year after year makes them a long-lasting favorite for naturalizing in borders, under trees, or near water features. Leucojum plants are pest-proof, and deer won’t touch them. Gardeners also prize it as a long-lasting cut flower that adds elegance and height to seasonal arrangements. With minimal care, this cultivar offers both charm and resilience to gardens of all sizes.

Leucojum Aestivum Gravetye Giant
Graceful and quietly striking, Leucojum has many names. Take, for example, the variety we offer: Leucojum “Gravetye Giant”. The name “Leucojum” originates from the Greek words leukos (meaning "white") and ion (meaning "violet"), which describe its delicate white blooms tipped with green. “Gravetye” refers to Gravetye Manor in England, once home to the influential garden writer William Robinson, who helped popularize this understated but remarkable flower.

Many gardeners may know Leucojum “Gravetye Giant” as Giant Snowflake. However, it has also been called “Dewdrop”, “Snowbell”, and “Summer Snowflake”. Despite the name “Summer,” it blooms reliably in mid to late spring.

Not Just a Pretty Bloom: The Power of Leucojum
Leucojum is more than just beautiful—it’s also incredibly versatile. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and even thrive in areas with standing water, making it an excellent choice for planting along ponds or in rain gardens. Many gardeners also choose to plant large drifts beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, where the plants enjoy the filtered light of late winter and early spring. Suitable for hardiness zones 3 through 8, Giant Snowflakes thrive well in various climates, bringing both dependability and elegance to spring gardens.

Read more: Leucojum – The Gentle Giant (Snowflake)

How To Plant Giant Snowflakes For Maximum Effect In Your Garden
To enjoy the graceful blooms of Leucojum in the spring, it is essential to plant them at the correct time. Start planting in the fall, just before the ground freezes.

Select a location with good drainage and either full sun or partial shade. Do you live in a warmer region? Leucojum needs shade or dappled light later in the day to extend the blooming period. Next, dig holes that are 4 inches deep and 4 inches apart in garden beds. If you’re planting in containers, you can place them slightly closer together. Plant the bulbs in the holes, cover them with soil and water thoroughly to help the soil settle around the bulbs.

After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally to support the bulb’s growth cycle. Watering isn’t necessary during this dormant phase. You can tidy up the spent leaves later, or you can let them decompose naturally. Do you need more help? Read our article “How to Grow Leucojum (Giant Snowflakes)”.

Top-Quality Leucojum Gravetye Giant Bulbs For Sale At DutchGrown
Are you ready to create a dazzling spring garden? At DutchGrown, you will find carefully selected Leucojum Aestivum “Gravetye Giant” bulbs. They are top-sized (4-5 inches), ensuring reliable growth and abundant flowering. When you purchase bulbs from us, you're not just buying a product; you're joining a long-standing tradition of excellence rooted in Dutch horticulture. Whether you're growing for beauty, tradition, or the quiet joy of gardening, we’re here to help you make the most of every season with the finest flower bulbs available. We ship throughout the US.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leucojum

Is Leucojum A Snowdrop?
Leucojum is not a Snowdrop, but it is closely related. Often called the “big brother” of Snowdrops, Leucojum produces larger, bell-shaped flowers with green tips and grows much taller. While Snowdrops bloom early in the season, Leucojum flowers in early to late spring, depending on the variety.

Do Leucojum Plants Like Sun Or Shade?
Leucojum plants like full sun and partial shade. In cooler regions, full sun encourages strong growth and flowering. In warmer areas, some afternoon shade or dappled light helps extend the bloom period and prevents the plants from drying out too quickly. A spot under deciduous trees where sunlight reaches in the spring is typically an ideal location for planting.

Where Is The Best Place To Plant Leucojum?
The best place to plant Leucojum is in moist, well-drained soil. They grow beautifully in full sun or partial shade. In warmer regions, some afternoon shade helps extend the blooming period. Ideal spots include beneath deciduous trees, near ponds, at the edge of woodland gardens, or in rain gardens where the soil stays cool and damp. Leucojum is hardy in USDA Zones 3–8 and is a reliable choice for many garden settings.

Does Leucojum Spread?
Leucojum is an excellent naturalizer that spreads gradually over time. Once established, it reliably returns each spring, forming larger clumps each year. This makes it a low-maintenance, long-term addition to your garden.