Early Snow Glories (Chionodoxa forbesii)

One of the first bulbs to bloom each spring, Early Snow Glories are compact plants with star-shaped flowers that open before most other perennials break ground. Each small bloom is soft blue with a white center, and the flowers appear in clusters that brighten garden beds and woodland edges when little else is in bloom. Hardy from zones 3 to 8, they’re a low-maintenance option for gardeners looking to extend the spring season.

Early Color That Doesn’t Overwhelm the Garden: The flowers bloom low to the ground on 6-inch stems, but they stand out thanks to their bright color and clean shape. Each bulb produces a short cluster of flowers with a glassy look—translucent petals that catch morning light especially well. These early risers often bloom through snowmelt and fill in bare areas while taller plants are still waking up.

Easy to Naturalize in a Variety of Spaces: Chionodoxa is a great choice for naturalizing. The plants multiply over time when left undisturbed, creating soft carpets of color in borders, beneath trees, or even in open lawn. They’re unaffected by juglone, so they’re safe to plant under black walnut trees. They also combine easily with other early bulbs like crocus, grape hyacinths, and small daffodils.

Low Profile, High Versatility: Though short, these plants don’t have to be restricted to the front of the bed. Because they bloom so early, they pair well with late-emerging perennials like hostas. By the time hosta leaves begin to unfurl, the chionodoxa foliage is already starting to fade. This makes them easy to tuck into existing plantings without crowding.

Simple Planting, Minimal Maintenance: Plant the bulbs in fall, in full sun or part shade, about 3 inches deep. They do best in well-drained soil and don’t require division. After flowering, allow the narrow green foliage to fade naturally—this helps fuel next year’s bloom. If planting in turf, delay mowing for about five to six weeks or raise the mower height to protect the leaves.

Early Snow Glories are a simple way to bring reliable color to the earliest part of spring. With their soft blue blooms, short habit, and ability to spread over time, they’re an easy fit for gardeners who want more than just daffodils and crocus filling out their early beds.