It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.Oh yeah, beautiful flowers @ctrl-alt-nwo and Leucojum vernum is a BULB growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in).
Cultivation details
Easily grown in ordinary garden soil[1, 90]. Prefers an open rich moist limy soil[1, 42]. Succeeds in shade or semi-shade[90]. If naturalizing in short grass, a light, well-drained soil is essential[245]. The dormant bulbs are fairly hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -5°c[214]. A very ornamental plant[1]. The flowers have a powerful scent that is likened by some to hawthorns and by others to violets[245]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. A good bee plant[108]. Plants can be naturalized in damp rough grass[200].
Propagation
The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a well-drained soil in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification, it should then germinate in 2 - 4 weeks at 10°c[134]. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be allowed to grow on undisturbed in the pots for their first year of growth. Give them an occasional weak liquid feed to ensure that they do not become nutrient deficient. Pot up the small bulbs when dormant, planting 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for another 2 - 3 years before planting them out. Division of offsets in September/October. It is best done as soon as the foliage ripens[1]. Scooping the bulbs.
