Snowdrops
Potted bulbs
White
9cm pot
 
Snowdrops appear in February or March, often while snow still blankets the ground. Thus the botanical name, Galanthus nivalis: The genus name refers to the white flowers (gala is Greek for "milk," anthos is Greek for "flower"), and nivalis is Latin for "snow-covered."
 
Snowdrops are tiny plants (3 to 6 inches tall) that produce one small (1 inch or less), white, bell-shaped flower, which hangs off the end of a green, leafless stalk like a "drop" prior to opening. When the bloom opens, three outer petals arch out over three inner petals. The flower "nods its head" down to the ground. The leaves are shaped like narrow blades, growing about 4 inches long.
 
Snowdrops favour damp soil and are often found in broadleaved woodland and along riverbanks, but can also be seen in parks, gardens, meadows and scrub.