The blooms of the commonly named snowdrop are among the first joyous signs that winter has lost its stronghold. The white, bell-shaped blossoms nod on short stalks. As persistent as it is delicate, the 3- to 8-inch snowdrop often pushes up through crusted snow and remains in bloom for 2 to 4 weeks.

Learn more about beautiful bulbs such as:

• Eremurus
• Fritillaria

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Latin Name: Galanthus elwesii Common Name: Giant snowdrop Zone: 3-9 Description: These larger-flowering snowdrops grow 6 to 9 inches tall. Blossoms are white with green inner markings. Plant giant snowdrops with smaller colorful bulbs that bloom at the same time, such as eranthis, scilla, and crocus.

Latin Name: Galanthus nivalis Common Name: Common snowdrop Zone: 3-9 Description: A smaller version of Galanthus elwesii, common snowdrops grow 4 to 6 inches tall. Buy lots because they are inexpensive and often are sold in large quantities for naturalizing. 'Flore Pleno' is a double variety.

Location: Full sun or part shade When to plant: Early fall General Instructions: Plant bulbs 2 to 4 inches deep, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart. Snowdrops can be naturalized in woodlands and lawns or planted under deciduous trees and shrubs. Soil should be well drained and amended with sphagnum peat moss and compost. Inexpensive and immune to rodent invasions, galanthus should be planted in large quantities to intensify its presence. Once planted, the bulbs will multiply and become more prolific with each passing year. Many galanthus bulbs are harvested from the wild, so be sure you buy your bulbs from reputable sources.