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Snowdrops

WhippetWhippet Posts: 127
in Plants

I have masses of Snowdrops that are wonderful when in full flower but now they are fading fast and I'd like to plant other things in the bed. Problem is, the Snowdrop leaves cover so much ground but I am unsure whether it's correct to chop them off or to let them all die away naturally. That will take ages so what is best to do given that I want to have other plants as the seasons progress? Someone told me to tie the leaves into little knots..is that a good idea?

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  • figratfigrat Posts: 1,619
    It's certainly in the snowdrop's best interests to let the leaves die down naturally as this feeds the bulb for next year's display. Tying them in knots inhibits this process.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,974

    I second that. 

     



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,792

    I always give mine a feed of pelleted chicken or cow manure as the flowers go over.  It's also the best time to lift and divide the clumps to make more of a spring show for next year.

    It doesn't take long for their foliage to die down and you can't expect them to make energy for next year's flwoers if you remove or knot the foliage.  The leaves are a plant's food factory.

    You can plant right up next to them and that will disguise the foliage whilst still leaving it to do its job.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • WhippetWhippet Posts: 127

    Thankyou for your advice. I will do as you suggest and plant between them. I will also remove some because the whole bed is FULL of them. I took some out last year and moved to the 'front' garden which has also looked very pretty during the colder weather. Just have so many!......friends and neighbours will be pressed to take some image

  • Woodgreen wonderboyWoodgreen wonderboy Posts: 2,322

    You are a very,very, very lucky bunny to have so many.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,724

    Whippet - you haven't put the area where you live on your details - shame, we could all come and queue up image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • WhippetWhippet Posts: 127
    Woodgreen wonderboy wrote (see)

    You are a very,very, very lucky bunny to have so many.

     Indeed image They are in a north facing bed, never have a glimmer of sunshine and have filled the place.

    Dovefromabove..I'm in south Lincs image

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,974

    Not far away Whippet, I'm in N Cambs. I'm not short of snowdrops though and it's too late to admire the display



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,724
    Whippet wrote (see)

     

    Dovefromabove..I'm in south Lincs image

     

    So are my in-laws image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Dee 3Dee 3 Posts: 9
    I also leave mine to die down naturally, however now is a good time to lift and divide whilst they are in the "green".Would love to queue up for some freebies but I live in South Wales!!! They'd be dead by the time I got them home!
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