Chionodoxa luciliae Alba (Glory of the Snow)

One of the earliest and loveliest spring flowering bulbs, Chionodoxa luciliae 'Alba' (Glory of the Snow) is a bulbous perennial boasting loose one-sided racemes of up to 8 upward-facing, large pure white flowers. Blooming in very early spring, the charming blossoms are borne atop the foliage of 2-3 narrow, semi-erect, basal leaves. A great naturalizer, 'Alba' adds several weeks of color and beauty to the garden.

• Growing up to 3-6 in. tall and wide (7-15 cm).
• Once established, it naturalizes well and comes back year after year. If an increase in the number of bulbs is desired, the planting location should be left entirely undisturbed: using rakes should be avoided, and weeding should definitely not be done. Also leave the foliage undisturbed in the autumn so that it can decay and enrich the soil at that location. Doing so encourages new growth.
• Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
• Best planted in sweeping drifts in woodlands, lawns or under deciduous trees. Also great in clusters in rock gardens. Always plant at least 15 bulbs.
• Deer and critter resistant, it is virtually disease and trouble free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
• Chionodoxa species provide a pretty display when planted among many kinds of perennial plants in the border. They can also be planted near very early-flowering perennial plants for creating lovely color combinations.
• Propagate by division, when the leaves are dying down in summer.