Galanthus elwesii

Galanthus elwesii is the largest of all snowdrops, and perhaps the most charming. This vigorous and prolific bulbous plant, also known as the greater snowdrop, develops taller and wider leaves than the species usually found in our gardens. It captivates with the delicacy and grace of its long, white, pendulous flowers, which appear as early as the end of winter. In the garden, plant its bulbs in groups of 20 or 30, on a bank, in a shaded border, or at the base of deciduous bushes. It is a faithful plant that is easy to grow and naturalise in moist soil. It self-seeds spontaneously.

Galanthus elwesii belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. This species is naturally found in northeastern and southeastern Anatolia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Ukraine, and former Yugoslavia. It was discovered in 1854 and introduced to Europe in 1874. In nature, it is found in deciduous and coniferous woods covered with snow in winter, usually exposed to the North. It is a hardy bulbous plant, preferring rather calcareous, well-drained soil that remains somewhat moist  even in summer.

It is composed of an oval to spherical bulb measuring 1.5cm (1in) in diameter. In late winter (February-March), two broad, flat leaves emerge along with the flower stems. These leaves are somewhat hooded at their tips, with a clearly visible central vein. They are glaucous green on both sides. The whole plant measures about 12cm (5in) in height. The flower stems rise 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in) above the ground. Each stem bears a solitary bell-shaped, pendulous flower. Each flower consists of 6 tepals: 3 long outer petals of pure white, surrounding 3 much shorter inner tepals, usually bearing two green marks, one at the top in the shape of a 'V' and the other at the base. They emit a light fragrance and are popular with insects. After pollination, green, globose fruits containing seeds develop. The foliage naturally dries up a few weeks after flowering, marking the plant's entry into a resting period.

This snowdrop is one of the first flowers to appear in spring, along with Crocus chrysanthus, Christmas roses, and scillas. For variety, you can plant it with Fritillaria meleagris, hyacinths, and Cyclamen coum. It will thrive in a moist rockery, along with creeping bugle or a small, easy-to-grow fern called Blechnum penna-marina: they will occupy the space left by the snowdops once their foliage has dried up. It is ideal for light woodland, preceding the flowering of bleeding hearts and corydalis. In cool climates, it tolerates sunny exposures on the edge of a border. It also thrives well in pots.