The greater snowdrop is a strong and robust variety which naturalises easily and can be relied on for years to come in the garden.

Stems of single white flowers, up to 15cm tall, bloom in January and February and are a welcome sign of spring when little else is blooming outdoors.

Snow-white, pointed petals hang downwards, beneath which emerald-green markings of the inner segments can just be seen.

If spring arrives early with a spell of warm, sunny days, the flowers may be fleeting and will last longer during a period of extended cold weather.

A delicate, yet extremely hardy cultivar which has been granted an Award of Garden Merit by the RHS.

Often first to flower during late winter, the clumps of delicate, pure white blooms set off by silvery-green foliage make Galanthus elwesii Mount Everest a must-have for the garden.

Standing 20cm tall, these snowdrops are a little larger than most varieties and will naturalise with ease in the border or amongst grass.

Galanthus thrive in moist conditions and humus-rich, well-drained soil. A spot in dappled shade, beneath mature, deciduous trees and shrubs is perfect.

Snowdrops are also happy to be grown in pots. Top the earth with moss for a natural display and place the containers in a sheltered position.

Several qualities make Elwesii Polar Bear an unusual snowdrop for the garden.

The flowers bloom later than most Galanthus, during February to March, which make this cultivar a great option for extending magical snowdrop season and stand taller than most varieties too, at 20-30cm.

Large, pure white blooms face outwards from the stems, rather than straight down, allowing the pretty green markings on the inner segments to be more visible.

The bulbs are also large and should be planted in autumn into moist, fertile soil. Snowdrops grow best in shade or semi-shaded areas – ideal for woodland gardens and for illuminating a dark corner of the garden.

Known as the common, single snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis puts on a reliable and unmissable display in the garden year after year.

Flowering when little else dares to break soil in January, this pretty and dainty snowdrop stands just 15cm tall. Simply enchanting growing in swathes and groups through grass and beneath trees.

This wild species snowdrop holds a prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the RHS for garden excellence, beauty and health and is a steadfast, top choice for gardeners.

The bulbs are quick to establish in sun or shade and will naturalise with ease in any moist, well-drained soil.

Galanthus nivalis Flore Pleno is an exquisite variety of double flowering snowdrop.

Turn the pretty white nodding blooms upside down to see an intricate, ruffled arrangement of green and white petals and markings. The flowers are lightly scented too.

Stems reach 15cm in height and flower during January and February. Can be grown next to other snowdrop varieties and crocus for a delightful spring display in open grass, borders and containers.

Prefers a sheltered position in light shade where the bulbs will establish undisturbed and multiply beautifully.

Holds an Award of Garden Merit for plant excellence.

A vigorous variety of snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis viridapice features pretty, solitary white pendant blooms with green-tipped petals.

The large and gently fragrant flowers appear during January and February, on stems up to 15cm tall and are a welcome sign of spring approaching.

This relatively rare and striking snowdrop holds a prestigious Award of Garden Merit, granted by the RHS as a mark of garden excellence.

Thrives in sun or light shade, in moderately moist, well-drained fertile soil.

Snowdrops are a wonderful choice for naturalising in grass, beneath trees and shrubs and in woodland borders.

A sweetly fragranced snowdrop which graces the garden with scent and beauty on fine spring days, Galanthus Sam Arnott is a sought-after and highly regarded cultivar which holds an Award of Garden Merit from the RHS.

The large, nodding flowers are solitary and feature verdant green markings on their inner segments.

This late-flowering, magical variety blooms during February and March and is great for extending snowdrop season into spring.

Plant the bulbs in groups and swathes in borders and grassy areas where they will multiply freely, reappearing for years to come.

Prefers cool, moist growing conditions in semi-shade and fertile, well-drained soil.

Known as the broad leaf, or giant snowdrop, Galanthus woronowii bears elegant nodding blooms with fine, narrow petals. Inner segments are splashed bright green, and wide foliage is green and waxy.

This graceful cultivar reaches heights of 15-20cm when it flowers during January and February and has been grown in the UK for over 100 years.

Perfect for naturalising in areas of grass and woodland and will grow easily in sun or light shade, in almost any soil.

Galanthus woronowii has been granted a prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the RHS for its winning looks and qualities.

Robust yet beautifully delicate, snowdrops make a wonderful addition to virtually any garden space.