Leucojum aestivum – Summer Snowflake

Often found naturalised in the wild in Ireland, Leucojum aestivum is a deciduous, bulbous perennial with a delicate, nodding habit not unlike a snowdrop, but much taller. The leaves are long, narrow and grass-like, and a deep, rich green. Despite the name, the delicate flowers appear in spring; they are shaped like a small bell, pure white with little green dots on the tips of the petals; there are up to eight on each leafless stem, and they last for a long time. Summer snowflake is lovely at the front of a sunny shrub border, or dotted in drifts between later-flowering perennials, giving an airy lightness which never stares. It will naturalise easily in reliably moist soil.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acid to neutral soil which does not dry out
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Mid- to late spring
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: up to 20 (50cm) Spread: 2 (60cm)