Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'
Summer snowflake, Loddon lily
- Height × spread
- 0.7m × 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Generally available as bulbs in Autumn, or plants in Spring
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This variety of summer snowflake has larger flowers than the species. It was discovered by William Robinson in the garden at Gravetye Manor. It has strappy foliage, rather like that of a daffodil. The pendulous, conical, snowdrop-lookalike flowers are hoisted conveniently to a height of around 20cm (8in) much more convenient for close examination than the ground hugging 'true' snowdrop.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 0.7m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Mediterranean garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - late · Planting
Divide when too large
When the plant is too large clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut, whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.