Snowdrops

[davidanthony]

4 years ago I planted 100's of snowdrop bulbs on my parents grave. Not a single one appeared, next year I dug up and transplanted well established plants, and lo and behold only a few appeared. The next year I massed the plot with large clumps of well established plants and again, - hardly anything. ?
Looking around, I notice snowdrops flourish under trees and not as much out in the open. Could this be this reason for my failures as of course the grave plots are out in the open ?

[Tilly2]

I can'rt help David but I do know that the churchyard where my parents are buried is swathed with snowdrops.

I thought you had to plant snowdrops 'in the green'.

[Palustris]

Snowdrops will grow reasonably well in Sun as long as the ground stays moist. It sounds as if the soil round your parent's grave is too dry for them. They are damp soil bulbs and are not keen on drying out when dormant.

[Palustris]

Sorry pressed Enter too soon.
If you want white flowers around the area then have a look for Chionodoxa lucilae alba. They like well drained soil in full sun and are flowering now.

[davidanthony]

Thank you Palustris. The reason for snowdrops is that my father tended the churchyard for 25 years and did indeed split and plant thousands of snowdrops there and there is a nice display every year. I thought it would be nice to mass his grave with them in recognition, but doesn't seem to be working. The area is certainly not dry as suggested, quite the reverse if anything.
Maybe, one year when they are established they will surprise us all as I know they can be temperamental

[Chipchopper]

Planting 'in the green' from freshly divided clumps is the best way to go with them.
Moist deciduous woodland, before it is shaded by leaves or hazel coppice is a good place for them to really do well.