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Ellen Randolph wrote her grandfather in 1808 from Edgehill, a neighboring estate: "The third of April snow drops bloomed, you have none but I will give you mine if you want them, and have them set out in your garden when we go to Monticello." April 3 is very late for this white-blossoming bulb, often the first flower of the season, and it seems possible that Ellen's "snow drops" were instead what we now call "snowflake," Leucojum sp.
(from Thomas Jefferson's Flower Garden at Monticello by Edwin M. Betts.)
(from Thomas Jefferson's Flower Garden at Monticello by Edwin M. Betts.)
A native of Europe and Western Asia, the Snowdrop's lovely bell-shaped, white flowers are often tipped with green. Snowdrops prefers shade and cool, moist soil and grow up to eight inches.
Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Snowdrop.
Typical Blooming Dates: February-March
Blossom color(s): White
Location at Monticello: West Front Oval Bed
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
