Photo: Nesnad · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Snowflake
Leucojum, the summer snowflake, carries clusters of nodding white bells, each petal tipped with a fresh green dot, on slim arching stems. Despite its name it is a true spring flower, and florists love it for the dainty, woodland softness it lends to bouquets and delicate arrangements. Its cool white-and-green colouring pairs beautifully with other spring bulbs and makes it a natural for pared-back, garden-style work. Fine-stemmed and quietly charming, it reads as a more relaxed cousin to lily-of-the-valley.
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Central and southern Europe to western Asia |
| Peak season | March, April |
| Availability | February, March, April, May |
| Stem length | 20–40 cm |
| Vase life | 5–7 days |
| Colors | white, green |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut the hollow stems and condition in cool, shallow, clean water, as the delicate stems bruise and dehydrate easily. Like other Amaryllidaceae, cut stems ooze a sap, so give them a separate drink for an hour before mixing with other flowers. Keep cool and out of direct heat to protect the nodding, papery bells. Handle gently and avoid crushing the fine stems when arranging.
- •Recut and condition separately for an hour before mixing
- •Use cool, shallow, clean water
- •Keep out of direct heat and draughts
- •Handle the fine stems gently to avoid bruising
- •Refresh water regularly
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Botanical reference
- Common name
- Giant Spring Snowflake
- Also known as
- summer snowflake, loddon lily, leucojum, Leucojum aestivum pulchellum, Leucojum autumnale, Leucojum hernandezianum, Leucojum hernandezii, Leucojum pulchellum, Nivaria aestivalis, Nivaria monadelphia, Nivaria monodelpha, Polyanthemum aestivale
- Distribution
- Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Global, Greece, Hungary
Open-data sources: GBIF, Wikidata (CC0/CC BY)
Frequently asked questions
When is Snowflake in season?
Snowflake peaks in March, April, and florists can usually source it February, March, April, May. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Snowflake last in a vase?
Expect 5–7 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Snowflake?
Good substitutes for Snowflake include Lily of the valley, Grape hyacinth, Ornithogalum. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Snowflake symbolise?
Snowflake is associated with purity, hope, renewal, sweetness.
How do you care for cut Snowflake?
Recut and condition separately for an hour before mixing
Related flowers
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Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — “Snowflake”. https://lacybird.com/flowers/leucojum/<a href="https://lacybird.com/flowers/leucojum/">Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — Snowflake</a>