The March cup blooms just as beautifully as the snowdrop or the lily of the valley. But it is still not as well known as the two. When it comes to white spring blooms, the other two are almost always preferred. We would like to inform you about the March cup and get you excited about it.

March cups have become rare with us

Names, Family and Occurrence

  • bot. Leucojum vernum
  • also great snowdrop, snowdrop, spring snowflake
  • Amaryllis family
  • grows in forests with moist soils
  • often close to rivers and streams
  • in Central Europe predominantly in so-called alluvial forests

location, planting and care

In addition to the wild specimens, the March cup can also be planted on private land.

  • is an onion plant
  • Onions are planted in the fall
  • remain in the ground afterwards
  • Propagation via daughter bulbs or sowing
  • likes damp, shady locations
  • as close as possible to water sources such as ponds
  • retires after flowering
  • withered leaves can then be collected
  • sprouts again in spring
  • just needs new nutrients every few years

blossoms

March cups only bloom about two years after planting. Once seeded, it can take even longer to flower. The flower of the March cup has the following characteristics:

  • is shaped like a bell
  • has white color
  • six petals of equal length
  • each has a yellow-green dot at the top
  • Flower smells slightly of violets
  • Flowering time is February to April
  • one or two flowers are formed per stem

leaves and onions

  • Leaves are shiny dark green
  • are narrow
  • grow upright
  • the plant grows 20 to 30 cm high
  • Onion is 4 to 5 cm in size
  • covered with a reddish-brown outer skin

toxicity

  • contains alkaloids
  • all parts of the plant are poisonous
  • for humans and many pets
  • must not be consumed
  • cardiac arrhythmias occur
  • also vomiting, cramps, diarrhea
  • Contact with plant sap leads to skin allergies

natural reserve

The March cup is threatened with extinction in the wild. That is why he is under nature protection with us. Everyone who meets him in the forest or on a meadow can admire him. Picking and digging up, on the other hand, is a punishable offence.

tips

If you plan to plant snow cups at home, you can buy bulbs in the fall. Seeds are also available in specialty stores.

Category:

Vegetable garden