Chionodoxa forbesii

Chionodoxa forbesii, also known as the "Glory of the Snow," is named for its early and bright spring flowering. This small bulbous plant offers small stars of celestial blue with a white centre, starting in early spring. It naturalises easily under trees, at the base of bushes, or even in containers, forming abundant colonies over time. Stunning among daffodils and botanical tulips!

Chionodoxa forbesii is sometimes called Chionodoxa luciliae hort. Endemic to the mountains of southwestern Turkey, at altitudes above 2500 m (8202ft), this small perennial bulbous plant of the Hyacinthaceae family is a close relative of hyacinths. The small bulbs produce small clumps of flowering plants, spreading indefinitely thanks to the production of numerous bulblets, eventually forming beautiful luminous carpets. In February-March-April, depending on the climate, its small stars celebrate the departure of the last snow for two weeks. From a bulb, one to two purplish stems will emerge, bearing 3 to 10 small flowers with 6 azure blue petals, with a white base. Its foliage is strap-shaped, dark green in colour, sometimes tinged with purple at the tips. It dries up from May-June, indicating that the plant goes into dormancy to escape the summer heat.

Chionodoxa forbesii was once a very popular plant but has been somewhat neglected in recent years. However, it is a flawless plant, easy to grow in cool or alpine climates, very hardy, and a welcome sight after winter. Its bright flowers spread out in flowering carpets alongside hepaticas, hyacinths, squills, grape hyacinths, and botanical tulips. It will naturalise in sunny rockeries, but also under deciduous trees and bushes, in semi-shade. It is best planted close to borders due to its low height, and it can successfully emerge through a carpet of baby's tears, creating a beautiful association. Chionodoxas are also very interesting for use in pots.