Glory of the Snow
Chionodoxa spp.
Quick Care Guide
Prune: Remove spent blooms and yellowing foliage
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; water during dry spells
Fertilize: Light feeding in early spring
Leaves: Narrow, grass-like green leaves
Flowers: Star-shaped blooms in early spring
Pruning
Glory of the Snow requires minimal pruning. After the flowers fade in spring, remove spent blooms to prevent self-seeding if desired. Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally, as this process replenishes the bulb’s energy for the following year. Avoid cutting the leaves while they are still green.
Watering
Glory of the Snow thrives in moist, well-draining soil. Water during dry spring periods, but avoid waterlogged conditions which can lead to bulb rot. Once flowering is finished and the plant begins to go dormant, it needs little to no additional watering.
Leaves
The leaves are slender, bright to medium green, and resemble blades of grass. They emerge with the flowers and gradually die back as the plant goes dormant in late spring.
Sunlight
These early bloomers prefer full sun but will also grow in partial shade. In sunnier spots, they produce more flowers and open earlier. Since they bloom before most trees leaf out, they are perfect for areas that are sunny in spring but become shaded in summer.
Fertilization
A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is typically sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can lead to excess foliage at the expense of blooms. Fertilizing is generally optional if the soil is rich in organic matter.
Flowers
​The flowers are small, star-shaped, and appear in shades of blue, violet, white, or pink, often with a lighter center. They bloom in early spring, sometimes while snow is still on the ground, and are among the first signs of the season. Their cheerful color and low-growing habit make them ideal for rock gardens, borders, and naturalized lawns.