Galanthus elwesii (Greater Snowdrop)

Taller than Galanthus nivalis, Galanthus elwesii, commonly known as Greater Snowdrop or Giant Snowdrop, also features larger flowers. Dainty, the nodding, white blooms display a double green mark on the inner petals that sometimes merge into one. They rise atop the foliage of bold, broad, silver-gray leaves which are reminiscent of those of tulips. This perennial is one of the earliest and loveliest spring flowering bulbs, adding several weeks of color and beauty to the garden from late winter – early spring. Native to Turkey, Macedonia, Bulgaria, southern Ukraine, and northeastern Greece, this Galanthus species has given rise to many selections and hybrids. It is named after Henry John Elwes who built up one of the largest collections of bulbs in the world at his home at Colesbourne Park in Gloucestershire.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities.
• Grows up to 10-12 inches tall (25-30 cm). Once established, it naturalizes well and comes back year after year.
• Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Thrives in moist soils that provide sufficient nutrients in part shade.
• Best planted en masse in sweeping drifts in woodlands, lawns, or under deciduous trees. Great in clusters in rock gardens or border fronts too.
• Low maintenance, it doesn’t need weeding or deadheading!
• Deer and critter resistant, it is virtually disease and trouble-free!
• Plant the bulbs 2-3 in. deep (5-7 cm) and space 2-3 in. apart (5-7 cm) in fall.
• Allow the foliage to die back naturally to replenish the bulb’s energy for next year’s growth and flowers.
• Propagate by seed, sown in containers in an open frame when ripe or division when foliage dies back. Seed may not come true
• Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset and skin contact might irritate.