Galanthus elwesii
SNOWDROPS, GIANT SNOWDROPS
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Pronounced: gah-LAN-thus el-WEZ-ee-eye
Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Balkans, Turkey.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones 1-9, 14-17.
USDA zones: 3-9.
Mature size:
Height: 5-9 inches (12-23 cm).
Flowering period:
January to early February.
Flowering attributes:
Bell-shaped, honey scented, white flowers with green on inner tepals.
Leaf attributes:
Six-inch long, strap-like leaves.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Moist, humus rich soil. Even when bulbs are dormant, do not let soil dry out.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed as soon as ripe. | Lift bulbs and replant right after flowering but before leaves die down.
Rainy Side Notes
I look forward to seeing Galanthus in flower in January, a sign that spring is not too far away. The common name, snowdrops, perhaps came about because they bloom so early that they often flower while snow is on the ground. Another common name is giant snowdrops because this species has larger flowers than the other popular species.
Their botanical name Galanthus comes from the Greek words gala for milk and anthos for flower. The name refers to the color of the flower. The species elwesii was named after the naturalist H.J. Elwes, who introduced the bulb.
Galanthus are typically carefree bulbs that grow with little to no diseases or pests that bother the plants. Squirrels and rodents avoid the bulbs because every part of the plant is toxic to animals, including humans. Handle bulbs carefully, as some people may face skin irritations after handling them.
Plant bulbs 3-4 inches deep immediately after receiving them in early autumn, as they quickly dehydrate. When planting, space bulbs three inches apart.
Galanthus elwesii is a 2005 Great Plant Pick.
Photographed in author's garden and Wendy Tweten's garden.
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton
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