Small early-spring bulb with star-shaped sky-blue flowers carried six-to-the-stem above strap-like leaves. Often emerges through the last of the snow, giving rise to its common name.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–8 | −40 °C to −6.7 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–8 | −34 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–4 | −15 °C to 5 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Flowers in late February and March in much of the Northern Hemisphere — a textbook first-thaw seasonal marker
- Naturalises freely by seed — plant in drifts and allow it to spread
- Now formally classified as Scilla forbesii by some botanists, sometimes sold under that name
- Needs winter chilling to flower reliably
Pet caution: Glory of the snow is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
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Related plants
Cross-check Glory of the snow against your zones