CHIONODOXA (Chio'nodoxa)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of five or six hardy, perennial bulbs native to the high alpine meadows of Turkey. These plants are commonly known as Glory-of-the-Snowbecause they bloom in the snow of their native habitats. Glory-of-the-Snow thrives where temperatures dip down as low as -30º F. These plants grow 6 to 9 inches high and produce clumps of slender, green leaves. In late winter or early spring, clusters of blue, white, or pink flowers are borne. C. forbessi varies in height from 3 to 6 inches. Its one-inch-wide, blue or pink flowers have a bright white eye and are borne 6 to 10 per stem. C. sardensis has solid lavender-blue flowers on 4- to 6-inch stems. C. luciliae produces 2 or 3, white, pink, or blue flowers per stem. Glory-of-the-snows are excellent for growing in meadows, woodlands, and flower beds. They self-seed readily, and if planted at the top of an incline, will cover the slope in a few years.

POTTING: These plants are hardy from zones 3 to 7. As mentioned before, they will withstand temperatures down to -30º F. In early fall, plant the bulbs 5 inches deep and 2 inches apart, in well-drained garden soil. They should be planted in a sunny location, unless you live in a hot climate where light shade in preferred. Water well while they are actively growing. Twelve to fifteen bulbs may also be planted in an 8-inch container.

PROPAGATION: In early fall, the bulbs may be increased by removing offsets. Ripe seed may also be scattered around the garden at that time.

SPECIES: C. forbessi; C. luciliae; C. sardensis.

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