Why are some snowdrop bulbs among the most expensive plants in the world?

Snowdrops: Kew’s first signs of spring | Dig Deeper Episode 10 | Kew · 5:31 · Video: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · Watch at the source

In short: Snowdrops are iconic harbingers of spring, but their origins and biology hold surprising secrets. Join Kew horticulturist Vicki Thompson to explore the distribution of these resilient bulbs, the unique creatures that spread their seeds, and the high-stakes world of rare snowdrop cultivars.

Botanical horticulturist Vicki Thompson explains that snowdrops, known scientifically as Galanthus, serve as a reliable indicator that winter is ending. While often associated with the arrival of spring, these plants have a complex history and biology that extends beyond their appearance in gardens.

The video investigates the natural distribution of snowdrop seeds and reveals why specific cultivars have achieved record-breaking prices, making them some of the most expensive plant bulbs globally. It provides a deeper look at the botanical significance of these small flowers within the collections at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

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