Crocus vs Snowdrop
Snowdrops are the first, often flowering through snow, and they like part shade and soil that stays moist, under shrubs and trees. Crocuses come a little later, open only in the sun, and want a sunny spot where the soil dries in summer; squirrels dig them up, and leave snowdrops alone.
 CrocusCrocus vernus |  SnowdropGalanthus nivalis | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 5 in tall, 4 in wide | 6 in tall, 4 in wide |
| Plant | 4 in apart | 4 in apart |
| Zones | 3 to 8 | 3 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun to part sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil | Well-drained, average fertility | Evenly moist, average fertility |
| Flowers | Late March to mid April; purple, white, yellow | Early March to late March; white |
| Leaves | Fine, summer-dormant | Fine, summer-dormant |
| Job in a bed | Bulb layer | Bulb layer |
| Pets | Toxic (mild) | Toxic (mild) |
| Deer | No record | Resistant |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose snowdrop for more shade and moist soil.
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. Beside crocus, snowdrop is in flower together for two weeks, from late March. They share full sun and part sun and zones 3 to 8.
Read more: all about crocus, and all about snowdrop, each with a bed the planner designed around it.