Leucojum pulchellum
Summer snowflake
Description
Source: leafsnapLeucojum aestivum, commonly called summer snowflake or Loddon lily (see River Loddon § Loddon lily), is a plant species widely cultivated as an ornamental. It is native to most of Europe from Spain and Ireland to Ukraine, with the exception of Scandinavia, Russia, Belarus and the Baltic countries. It is also considered native to Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus. It is naturalized in Denmark, South Australia, New South Wales, Nova Scotia and much of the eastern United States.
🌳 Summer snowflake is an uncommon source of spice. Its pure white blossoms serve as decorative accents for salads and sweet treats, and they also hold unexplored potential as a food seasoning — when steeped in olive oil they lend a subtle, almond-like note. In addition, these flowers are full of promise for the fragrance industry. When distilled, the summer snowflake's essential oils produce an enchanting aroma with touches of citrus and vanilla, well suited to crafting captivating perfumes.
🎭 Innocence and hope
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun
The summer snowflake thrives with abundant light but can tolerate spots with reduced illumination. Light strongly affects its healthy growth. Its lighting needs are consistent across different growth stages, and its preference reflects ancestry in well-lit habitats. Too little light can stunt its growth, while too much exposure can cause damage.
🌡️ Temperature 0–35°C
The summer snowflake grows best in its native conditions with moderate to cool temperatures. Its preferred temperature range is 32 to 95 °F (0 to 35 °C). Temperatures should be adjusted across seasons to keep it within that range.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Summer snowflake is in early spring, as it comes out of dormancy and begins active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy growth. Although the Summer snowflake has relatively low fertilization needs, applying fertilizer annually can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.
🪴 Pot & Repot
Repot Summer snowflake in early spring. Choose a pot that is wider than it is deep and has good drainage. Use a well-draining loamy potting mix enriched with compost. Gently remove old soil from the bulb and plant it at a depth equal to the bulb’s height. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the pot in a sunny spot. Avoid overwatering to prevent the bulb from rotting.
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Leucojum
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-10
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 4.06 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Autumn, Winter, Spring
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer