Chionodoxa Growing Guide

What is Chionodoxa?

Chionodoxa (Chionodoxa luciliae) also known as Glory of the Snow is a bulbous perennial. As its name suggests it is one of the first Spring bulbs to flower as the heads would push through the snow on the mountain sides in its native homeland of Turkey. It comes from the family Asparagaceae. Chionodoxa has deep green grass like foliage and flowers that are coloured either deep blue, pink or white depending on the variety. They need a cool protected position with moist humus rich soil. Chionodoxa prefers a part shade position and they need the cold weather to initiate flowering.

Benefits of Growing Chionodoxa

Chionodoxa’s grass like foliage makes them ideal planted in the lawn or a meadow. This dainty plant also looks great planted around perennials and will provide useful ground cover and colour before the perennials start to grow in Spring. Plant in garden beds en masse, boarders, in containers or pots. Chionodoxa naturalises well and comes back year after year.

How to Grow Chionodoxa

Chinodoxa Gigantea Alba

Climatic Zones

Cool, temperate, arid, semi arid.

Plant Size

Height: 10-15cm, Width: 5cm

When To Plant Chionodoxa

Plant in late Winter or early Spring.

Soil Preparation

They like moist humus rich soil so dig through well broken down manure or compost before planting.

How To Plant Chionodoxa

Plant in semi shade to full shade, 5-8cm apart with the bulb planted at 8cm below the surface of the soil. Plant with the point facing up.

Chionodoxa Plant Care

Water during the active growing period.

After flowing has finished leave the foliage as it will continue to gather energy for the next seasons blooming.

Best to leave undisturbed however you can divide them when the clumps become large enough. This can be done in Summer when the leaves are dying down.

Watch out for snails and slugs.