Troubleshooting
Queen Olga's Snowdrop problems — and how to fix them
Queen Olga's Snowdrop (Galanthus reginae-olgae) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Summer drought stress
Unlike spring-flowering snowdrops, this species begins re-growing in late summer. Dry conditions at this time can cause bulbs to fail entirely. Water if summer is particularly dry.
Narcissus fly
Larvae can infest snowdrop bulbs. Inspect bulbs when lifting; covering the soil surface with fine mesh after planting deters adults.
Grey mould (Botrytis galanthina)
Fungal disease causing collapse of foliage; favoured by wet, cold conditions. Remove affected growth; improve airflow.
Congested bulbs reducing flower size
Divide clumps 'in the green' (just after flowering while leaves are still present) every 3-4 years for best performance.
Prevent queen olga's snowdrop problems before they start
Most queen olga's snowdrop issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Queen Olga's Snowdrop problems — FAQ
Why is my queen olga's snowdrop summer drought stress?
Unlike spring-flowering snowdrops, this species begins re-growing in late summer. Dry conditions at this time can cause bulbs to fail entirely. Water if summer is particularly dry.
Why is my queen olga's snowdrop narcissus fly?
Larvae can infest snowdrop bulbs. Inspect bulbs when lifting; covering the soil surface with fine mesh after planting deters adults.
Why is my queen olga's snowdrop grey mould (botrytis galanthina)?
Fungal disease causing collapse of foliage; favoured by wet, cold conditions. Remove affected growth; improve airflow.
Why is my queen olga's snowdrop congested bulbs reducing flower size?
Divide clumps 'in the green' (just after flowering while leaves are still present) every 3-4 years for best performance.