Plant Profile: Snowdrops

Plant Profile: Snowdrops

Galanthus derives from the Greek words gala meaning Milk and anthos for flower. Snowdrop takes it origin from the German schneetropfen. These delicate little bulbs consisting of 22 species and 400 cultivars are widely appreciated for flowering during the colder months through to early spring. The common snowdrop, G.nivalis, found in abundance on the ancient woodland floor, has been present throughout Europe for centuries but the taller later flowering, G. plicatus arrived in Britain in the packs of soldiers returning from the Crimean War in the 1850s. Growing well in shade or part-shade, G. plicatus hybridised well with other species.

Cultivars noted for a sweet fragrance include, ‘S.Arnott’ (AGM), ‘Merlin’, ‘G. imperati ‘Ginns’. If you want a big flower head then select ‘Mighty Atom’.