Flower Library
Summer Snowflake
Leucojum · Amaryllidaceae
The snowflake is the snowdrop's big sister: white bell-shaped flowers with a green dot on the tip of every petal, carried on juicy green stems. As a cut flower it is a brief, precious early-spring crop that we can offer for only a few weeks each year. That is exactly what makes it so special for lovers of seasonal bouquets.
- Season
- February – March – April – May
- Vase life
- 4–8 days
- Latin name
- Leucojum
- Colors
- White with green tips
Two species shape the offer: the low-growing spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum), which flowers from February, and the much taller summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum), which carries several bells per stem from April to May. For the vase, the cultivar ‚Gravetye Giant‘ with its long, sturdy stems is the most interesting.
Telling a snowflake from a snowdrop is easy: its six petals are all the same length and form a true bell, while the snowdrop has three long outer and three short inner petals. Add the green dot on every petal tip — the most reliable identifying mark.
Important to know: wild snowflakes are protected in Germany and must not be picked. What you find in our shop is without exception cultivated stock from nurseries — buying from the florist is not just more convenient, it is the only legal source.
In the vase the snowflake is a typical bulb flower: it drinks a lot, likes it cool and fades noticeably faster in warm rooms. Like daffodils it releases slime from the cut end; if you want to combine it with other flowers, let it stand in its own water for a few hours first.
In terms of styling the snowflake needs little company: a pure bunch in a plain glass vase makes the strongest impression. If you do mix, stay in early spring — daffodils, tulips, ranunculus and a few branches push the natural look to its peak.
Is Summer Snowflake toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Like daffodil and snowdrop, the snowflake contains toxic amaryllis alkaloids (including lycorine), strongest in the bulb but present in stems and flowers too. Keep the vase out of reach of cats, dogs and children, and do not let pets drink the vase water.
Typical symptoms: After ingestion: drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; larger amounts can cause circulatory problems.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Recut the stems with a sharp knife and place them in a small amount of fresh, cold water.
- 02Let them stand in their own water for a few hours before mixing with other flowers — they release slime like daffodils.
- 03Keep them cool: the colder the spot, the longer the delicate flowers last.
- 04Change the water daily; the stems rot quickly in stale water.
- 05Strictly avoid direct sun and the vicinity of radiators.
- 06Wash your hands after handling the stems — the sap can irritate the skin.
Frequently asked
- What is the difference between a snowflake and a snowdrop?
- The snowflake has six equal-length petals forming a true bell, each with a green dot at the tip. The snowdrop has three long outer and three short inner petals. The snowflake is also larger overall and usually flowers a little later.
- May you pick snowflakes in the wild?
- No. The snowflake is specially protected in Germany; picking or digging up wild plants is prohibited and can be costly. Cut stems from the florist come from nursery cultivation and are the only proper source.
- How long does the snowflake last in the vase?
- In a cool spot about four to eight days. Fresh, cold water, a daily water change and distance from radiators are what count. In warm living rooms the vase life shortens noticeably.
- Is the snowflake toxic to cats?
- Yes. All parts contain lycorine and related alkaloids, and even the vase water can be contaminated. For cats and dogs, chewing means drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea — keep the vase out of reach and contact your vet if you suspect ingestion.