Chionodoxa (or Scilla) blooms so early (February-March) that it often even sticks its flowering stems through melting snow, hence its name Glory of the Snow. In Greek chion means snow and doxa means glory. With forbesii in the name, James Forbes (1773-1861) is honored. He was a British botanist who worked as a gardener for a duke at Woburn Abbey. A large flowered food source for (early) bees and ideal for naturalising.
Each bulb produces 2 to 3 narrow leaves and a flower stalk that is topped with a loose raceme of up to 10 flowers. The dark-coloured stem contrasts with the bright pink of the six upward-facing leaves that form small stars. Plant them in great numbers for a pink wow effect or let them shine in a border or pot.
