Chionodoxa
("Glory-of-the-snow")
Origins:
Native to Western Turkey. First descriptions appeared in 1877.
Planting Tips:
The bulbs of Chionodoxa naturalize very easily. Plant them among decidious shrubs and in lawns with snowdrops and crocuses. Be sure to plant in groups of 10-15 bulbs at least. They not only form bulblets but, under favorable conditions, they also produce seed which will germinate. Curiously, young plants sometimes suddenly turn up in an entirely different part of the garden. This is often the work of ants that carry seeds to a different place. 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 during the Summer so that it can decay and enrich the soil at that location. Doing so encourages new growth. Chionodoxa can also easily be planted in layers to enhance the beauty of other bulbs. For example plant narcissi (daffodils) bulbs at their normal depth, add soil up to the level of the bulbs' noses, then plant the Chionodoxa bulbs on top. Just imagine the combination of blue Chionodoxa, yellow daffodils and early flowering red tulips! The following early flowering perennials also are great companion plants for Chionodoxa: Primula (Primrose), Pulmonaria (Lungwort), Pulsatilla (Pasque flowers), Hepatica (Liverwort), Arabis (Wall-rock cress), Aubrieta (Rock cress) and Helleborus (Christmas or Lenten Rose).