Galanthus, or snowdrop, is a small genus of approximately 24 species of bulbous perennial herbaceous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. The plants have two linear leaves and a single small white drooping bell-shaped flower with six petal-like tepals in two circles. The smaller inner petals have green markings. They are commonly the earliest garden flowers to blossom in the late winter or early spring, sometimes emerging when snow is still on the ground.
Snowdrops are small perennial herbs with bulbs and basal linear leaves. The small flowers are composed of six white tepals (undifferentiated petals and sepals); the three outer tepals are long and curved, and the inner tepals are small and notched. The fruit is a capsule and bears seeds with characteristic hook-shaped elaiosomes (fatty seed structures) that attract ants for dispersal. The plant dies back shortly after the fruits have opened.
Snowdrop grows best in full sun to part shade in clay or loam soil with high organic matter. The site needs good drainage although snowdrop will tolerate a site that is occasionally wet. Propagate snowdrop by division or stem cutting. In order to germinate, snowdrop seeds need to experience a cold spell, below 20 degrees F; therefore, the plant may have a shorter lifespan in warmer climates.
Snowdrop easily spreads by self-seeding and bulb offsets to form new clumps, so plant it in a naturalized area or in a woodland garden under deciduous trees or shrubs where it has room to roam. It is also at home in a rock garden, a winter garden, and a pollinator garden where it will feed bees.
Cultivated Varieties
Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’
- One of the oldest and most reliable hybrid cultivars.
- Long, elegant flowers with a slender shape.
- Inner petals have a faint green marking.
- Strong, upright stems make it resistant to wind.
- Bloom Time: Early season, often among the first snowdrops to bloom.
- Uses: Perfect for borders or as a focal point in a woodland garden.
Galanthus ‘Magnet’
- Known for its gracefully swaying blooms.
- Large, pendulous flowers on long, flexible pedicels (flower stalks).
- Inner petals have a distinct green marking near the tip.
- Bloom Time: Mid-season.
- Uses: Ideal for naturalizing in meadows or gardens.
Galanthus ‘Flore Pleno’ (Double Snowdrop)
- A double-flowered form of the common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis).
- Dense, rosette-like blooms with multiple layers of white petals.
- Green markings on the inner petals add to its intricate appearance.
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring.
- Uses: Adds visual interest to borders and shaded areas.
Galanthus ‘S. Arnott’
- A highly fragrant and robust cultivar.
- Large, symmetrical flowers with a clean, classic snowdrop appearance.
- Sweet, honey-like fragrance, making it a favorite for sensory gardens.
- Bloom Time: Mid- to late winter.
- Uses: Excellent for planting near pathways or entrances to enjoy the scent.
Galanthus ‘Hippolyta’
- A double-flowered cultivar named after the Amazonian queen in Greek mythology.
- Compact blooms with symmetrical layers of petals.
- Green markings on the inner layers create a striking contrast.
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring.
- Uses: Great for container planting or as a centerpiece in small gardens.
Galanthus ‘Diggory’
- Renowned for its unique, textured petals.
- Blooms have a crinkled, balloon-like appearance.
- Soft green markings on the inner petals.
- Bloom Time: Mid- to late season.
- Uses: Highly prized by collectors and makes a statement in specialized snowdrop gardens.
Galanthus ‘Trym’
- A cultivar with unusual green streaks.
- Outer petals feature green markings, resembling the patterns on the inner petals.
- Flowers have a distinct, upright stance.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-season.
- Uses: Adds novelty and intrigue to mixed plantings or collector’s gardens.
Galanthus ‘Green Tear’
- A rare cultivar with prominent green markings.
- Both inner and outer petals have vivid green streaks, giving it an exotic look.
- Compact growth habit.
- Bloom Time: Late season.
- Uses: A collector’s gem, often showcased in specialized displays.
Galanthus ‘Lady Beatrix Stanley’
- Named after an avid snowdrop enthusiast and horticulturist.
- Double-flowered with densely packed white petals.
- Compact plant with a graceful form.
- Bloom Time: Late winter.
- Uses: Perfect for small gardens, containers, or as a mass planting.
Galanthus ‘John Gray’
- A cultivar noted for its strong scent and refined flowers.
- Pure white outer petals and delicately marked green inner petals.
- Slightly larger blooms than the common snowdrop.
- Bloom Time: Early season.
- Uses: Suitable for sensory gardens and close observation areas.
Galanthus ‘South Hayes’
- Known for its semi-double flowers.
- Inner petals have intricate green markings.
- Vigorous growth habit, forming large clumps over time.
- Bloom Time: Mid-season.
- Uses: Ideal for naturalizing in large garden spaces.
Galanthus ‘The Pearl’
- A delicate and compact cultivar.
- Small, symmetrical flowers with subtle green inner markings.
- Graceful, arching stems.
- Bloom Time: Late winter.
- Uses: Adds charm to rock gardens or container displays.
Galanthus ‘Robin Hood’
- Named for its bold appearance.
- Distinctive green markings on both inner and outer petals.
- Vigorous grower, forming dense clumps.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-season.
- Uses: Excellent for woodland gardens or mass plantings.
Galanthus ‘Wendy’s Gold’
- Notable for its unique yellow markings.
- Inner petals have bright yellow tips instead of green.
- Rare and sought-after by collectors.
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring.
- Uses: A standout choice for collectors or specialty gardens.
Galanthus ‘Primrose Warburg’
- A cultivar with a yellow tint, similar to ‘Wendy’s Gold.’
- Yellowish-green markings on inner petals.
- Vigorous and easy to grow.
- Bloom Time: Mid- to late season.
- Uses: Perfect for adding a splash of color to traditional snowdrop displays.
Wild Species
Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop)
- The most well-known species, native to Europe.
- Features small, pure white flowers with a green marking on the inner petals.
- Grows to about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) tall.
Galanthus elwesii (Giant Snowdrop)
- Native to Turkey and the Balkans.
- Larger than G. nivalis, with broader, blue-green leaves and flowers up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
- Flowers often appear earlier in the season.
Galanthus plicatus (Pleated Snowdrop)
- Native to Crimea and surrounding regions.
- Named for its folded (plicated) leaf edges.
- Blooms are slightly larger, with distinctive green inner markings.
Galanthus woronowii (Green Snowdrop)
- Native to the Caucasus and parts of Turkey.
- Features shiny, bright green leaves and small, dainty flowers.
- Prefers moist and partially shaded conditions.
Galanthus reginae-olgae (Autumn Snowdrop)
- Native to Greece and Albania.
- One of the few snowdrops that bloom in autumn, usually before the leaves emerge.
- Ideal for extending the snowdrop flowering season.
Galanthus ikariae (Ikarian Snowdrop)
- Native to the Greek island of Ikaria.
- Distinguished by its solid green inner petal markings and bright green foliage.
Galanthus gracilis (Graceful Snowdrop)
- Found in Turkey and the Balkans.
- Known for its slender, arching leaves and delicate flowers with green markings.
Galanthus caucasicus (Caucasian Snowdrop)
- Native to the Caucasus region.
- Similar to G. nivalis but slightly larger and with more robust growth.