Single Snowdrop Bulbs in the Green

• Common name: Common Snowdrop
• Latin name: Galanthus nivalis
• Sold as: Bulbs in the green, in packs of 25
• Height: To 15cm
• Flowers: Single, nodding, white and fragrant, 2.5cm long, with green marks at the tips of the inner petals
• Leaves: Narrow and grey-green
• Best soil and site: Humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer. Partial shade
• Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
• Hardiness: H5, hardy
• RHS AGM: Yes (1993)
• Delivered: In the green, from February to the end of April. You can order from December

These are single Common Snowdrops, Galanthus nivalis, sold in the green: lifted in growth and sent to you for planting straight away, between February and April. They grow to 15cm in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade, and hold the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Single Snowdrop Bulbs in the Green

Snowdrops in the Green are grown in the UK specifically for the purpose, separate from our bulbs to be sold dry. These are single snowdrops, and we sell double snowdrops as well. Snowdrops are one of the earliest plants to flower and so are a vital food source for insects at the end of winter.

Please note: Snowdrops "in the green" is a misnomer, as the foliage can be yellow and shrivelled: this is normal, and has no adverse effect.

Take a look at the rest of our range of bulbs in the green.

Growing Snowdrops in the Green

They grow well in any moist ground containing plenty of organic matter, and prefer dappled shade without too much direct sun.

The great advantage of buying bulbs in the green (a bit of a misnomer: by the time they get to you, the foliage is yellow and withered) is that they're freshly lifted and a number of bulb species, including snowdrops, establish better if they're lifted and replanted as quickly as possible while in growth.

The corresponding disadvantage is that they really do need to be planted within a few days of lifting otherwise they deteriorate rapidly. We, therefore, restrict our shipping dates from February to the end of April when the bulbs are at their best. Your bulbs are lifted immediately before despatch and are sent to you, so they arrive with you on a Thursday or Friday in time for planting that week-end.

Garden Design Ideas

Snowdrops are naturals under any deciduous tree, rose, or shrub.

History & Trivia

The name Galanthus comes from the Greek Gala, meaning milk, and Anthos, a flower.

A widespread European native, it is often thought of as a Roman introduction to Britain, but probably arrived much later, at the beginning of the 17th century.

Snowdrops were used in relatively early experiments to genetically modify potatoes in the late 1990's. The result was a mildly poisonous potato, so although squirrels are very fond of snowdrops they are absolutely not fit for human consumption.

Planting Companions

Native Bluebells are also sold in the green. For more flower at the turn of the year, plant Winter Aconites, Cyclamen coum and Crocus tommasinianus nearby. Double Snowdrops, linked above, are a form of the same species with extra petals.

Why Buy Snowdrops from Ashridge

Ashridge has sold plants since 1949 and is a Which? Best Plant Supplier 2025. Your Snowdrops are grown in the UK for sale in the green, lifted immediately before despatch, and sent to reach you on a Thursday or Friday, ready for planting that weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does in the green mean?

The bulbs are lifted while they are in growth, with their leaves on, and replanted straight away and not dried and stored. Snowdrops establish better when they are moved this way.

The leaves have arrived yellow. Is that a problem?

No. By the time they reach you the foliage is often yellow and withered. That is normal and does the bulbs no harm, so plant them as usual.

How soon must you plant them?

Within a few days, because bulbs in the green deteriorate quickly out of the ground. We send them to arrive on a Thursday or Friday so that you can plant at the weekend.

Where do Snowdrops grow best?

The RHS asks for humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer, in partial shade. Under deciduous trees, shrubs and roses suits them well.

Are these single or double Snowdrops?

Single. This is the plain species, Galanthus nivalis, with one nodding white flower to each stem. The double form is sold separately.

When are they delivered?

From February to the end of April, when the bulbs are at their best. You can order from December, and your Snowdrops are lifted and sent once the season opens.