Snowdrops in bloom at National Trust's Mottisfont estate

Thousands of the delicate white flowers are in full bloom at the National Trust’s Mottisfont estate near Romsey, with a longer flowering window into February.

Rob Ballard, head gardener at Mottisfont, said: "Many people would have worried that last year’s hottest summer on record could prove disastrous for snowdrops.

"After all, we know that this delightful and much-loved flower prefers partially shady, moist conditions, which is what we have here at Mottisfont.

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"However, the good news is that this isn’t the case. The crucial period for snowdrops is actually straight after flowering, between March and May, and as long as they’re in semi-shade they should usually be fine.

Snowdrops are already in bloom at the National Trust's Mottisfont estate. (Image: National Trust)

"Snowdrops are no strangers to heat; they also grow in woodlands and rocky locations in hot countries like Greece and Spain.

"The mild autumn and winter has resulted in slightly earlier displays than usual at Mottisfont but they’re looking superb and we’re anticipating a longer season than usual."

The snowy carpets, which thrive in Mottisfont’s damp, low-lying ground along waterways, have emerged early this year due to the mild winter.

The garden team has expanded the snowdrop collection over the past two years, and a further 5,000 bulbs were planted last year to enhance this winter's display.

Visitors can enjoy Mottisfont’s self-led snowdrop walk, which features poetry inspired by the flowers, including works by Wordsworth and Tennyson.

The walk also includes 3m-high willow sculptures shaped like snowdrops.

An extra 5,000 bulbs were planted last year to enhance this winter's display. (Image: National Trust)

Mottisfont’s volunteer garden guides offer free daily walks around the grounds, sharing the history of the estate and the gardens.

Jo Hodgkins, nature conservation adviser for the National Trust, said: "It is always a joy when snowdrops break through the cold winter ground.

"Along with aconites and primroses, they are the harbingers of spring. The flowers themselves arrive in pure white glory but with many variations, and on mild, late winter days, they are much loved by early emerging bees.

"They are beautiful seen in half-light and, of course, peeking out from winter snow."

With more than 2,500 known varieties, snowdrops have been popular in the UK since the Victorian era, though their exact date of introduction remains unknown.

The Latin name for snowdrop, Galanthus, means ‘milk flower’.