Chionodoxa forbesii grows best in moist, well-drained soil in a full sun or partially shaded area.

As soon as possible after receiving the Chionodoxa forbesii bulbs they can be planted in the garden, a flower pot or in a planter. If not they must be kept in a frost-free area. Bulbs planted in a flower pot are not usually frost resistant.

Plant the bulbs in a planting hole that is three times as deep as the height of the bulbs. A bulb of 2 cm should be planted in a 6 cm deep hole. The planting distance is about 2-5 cm. Loosen the soil well and plant the bulbs point up. Refill the planting hole and avoid walking over the soil. For larger groups make a wider hole and plant more bulbs.

Chionodoxa in the garden

Planted in large groups or Chionodoxa forbesii will make a statement in the garden, so the more bulbs you plant the greater effect they will have. Plant in groups of at least 15 or divide about 50 or more flower bulbs evenly over the garden border or flower bed. They can be grown under trees or even naturalized in the lawn.

Chionodoxa forbesii can also be grown in a large pot or planter on the patio. Make sure you use fresh potting compost and put a layer of gravel or hydro granules at the bottom of the pot.

Chionodoxa forbesii is a small convex bulb which is ideal for naturalizing under deciduous trees and shrubs. They can be left in the same spot for years without requiring any care and attention. After flowering, leave the foliage to die down naturally and cut back when it has turned yellow.

These bulbs also look great on the lawn, but you can only mow in the spring when the leaves have turned yellow. The following spring you will be rewarded with many more Chionodoxa forbesii flowers. If you want to replant these small bulbs then do so immediately after the flowering.

To protect the bulbs grown in a pot against frost, place the pot in a frost-free area or cover it with bubble wrap. Water in dry periods.

Chionodoxa forbesii is an early-flowering bulb with expressive blue flowers with a white centre.

This bulb originated in Turkey and is called Glory-of-the-Snow because it flowers even when there is snow on the ground.

Seed pods
Chionodoxa forbesii will naturalise quickly. It forms new bulbs and seed. Ants help to seed this plant by carrying the little seed pods (see the white part in the picture) to their nests. They find it all so delicious that they begin eatng into the pod on the way to the nest, dropping seeds along the way, that promptly germinate and so form new plants.