Snowdrops are flowers that many of us are associated with the first warmth, spring smells, tenderness and mystery. Even those who have never seen real snowdrops have heard about them since childhood – because there are so many fairy tales and legends around them.
Typically, a snowdrop is customary to imagine white, in the form of a bell, but in fact there are more than 17 species, most of which are listed in the Red Book, so even in the forest they are difficult to find. There are snowless snowdrops, orange, spherical, there are those that grow only very high in the mountains and find them as difficult as finding the legendary Edelweiss.
Growing a snowdrop is not easy, but having learned, many delight themselves with these wonderful first colors in early spring, when it is still very cold. The most important advantage of snowdrops (except their beauty, of course) is cold resistance and resistance to pests and diseases. However, the conditions in which they are grown are of great importance. For example, highly moistened soil with stagnation of water or, conversely, dry land for their growth is not suitable.
It is advisable to choose places that are well -lit by the sun for growing snowdrops. The areas under shrubs are best suited, where the sun is enough in spring and summer, and at the same time the shadow covers flowers from drying out, and in the fall, the fallen foliage reliably covers the bulbs from the cold. They grow well in highly shaded areas, but in this case, the growth rate and the number of colors can be less than the desired. At the same place, snowdrops can be grown up to 5 years, then the bulbs grow and begin to displace each other. They are usually planted in groups of 15-20 bulbs. Snowdrops against the background of stones, or next to shrubs or trees, where there are no flower beds with other colors look especially beautiful.
Several species are common in our country, among which the snowdrops of the platifillus and Plikatus. Today, snowdrops can be seen in the spring in the market, where they are sold in small bouquets at a fairly inherent price. However, such flowers do not stand for a long time, so buying cut snowdrops to enjoy their beauty, no need to. It will be much more correct to try to grow them independently, in your garden, on a flowerbed near the house or even in your apartment in a pot.
One of the legends says that snowdrops are not only the first colors after the winter, but also the first God created on Earth. When Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise, they walked around the cold desert for many days in search of a place where to warm up. At some point, Eve burst into tears, remembering the wonderful paradise, where there were many flowers and sun. And the Lord, taking pity on it, turned several of her tears into beautiful white snowdrops, making it clear that he did not forget them.
Snowdrops – beautiful and delicate flowers. They are less and less in nature, so try to protect them, not to tear them off for the sake. Better grow them and rejoice at the delicate and elegant beauty of these wonderful plants.
