amethystinus—Early-flowering Spanish species with typically flat leaves and nodding blue bell flowers on spikes seldom over five inches. There is also a white variety, albus.
ciliatus (azureus)—Slightly smaller with stiff three-inch spikes, blue-green leaves often hairy on the edges, and blue flowers. The variety albus is white.
CARE. Rich fertile soil. Drainage. Mulch if no leaves fall on plants. Sun.
PROPAGATION. Division, seeds.
SPECIAL USES. Forcing, rock gardens.
Leucojum Amaryllidaceae Snowflake
The long leaves are about a half-inch wide and in a basal circle from which the stems stretch up to hold nodding bell flowers marked on the edge with bright-green dots.
aestivum—summer snowflake—Flowers in May. About nine inches tall, it may be a little large for really small gardens.
vernum—spring snowflake—One fragrant bell flower to each six-inch stem, in April.
CARE. Soil rich and sandy, drainage, protect from hot sun.