Leucojum aestivum aka Summer Snowflake

Taxonomy

Genus Leucojum Family Amaryllidaceae Order Asparagales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta

Leucojum aestivum, commonly known as summer snowflake or Loddon lily, is a bulbous perennial herbaceous geophyte. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and has glossy dark green strap-like leaves. The plant can reach a height of up to 90cm and produces leafless stems that bear up to 8 bell-shaped, slightly fragrant white flowers. Each flower segment is tipped with green and measures about 2cm in width. Leucojum aestivum is native to most of Europe, excluding Scandinavia, Russia, Belarus, and the Baltic countries. It is also found in Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus and has been naturalized in various regions, including Denmark, South Australia, New South Wales, Nova Scotia, and parts of the eastern United States. This perennial deciduous plant thrives in temperate, Mediterranean, or subtropical climates and can be grown in hardiness zones 3-9. Additionally, it is valued as an ornamental cut flower and is known for its pleasant fragrance. The leaves of Leucojum aestivum are green and linear in shape, growing in a rosette structure.

Common names

Summer Snowflake, Snowdrops, Loddon Lily

How to care for Summer Snowflake

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Summer Snowflake due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Summer Snowflake should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Summer Snowflake loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Summer Snowflake prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Region of origin

Summer Snowflake’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from France south and east to Spain, Greece, the Crimea and Iran.

More info:
Wikipedia

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