Galanthus elwesii Hiemalis Group
greater snowdrop Hiemalis Group
A bulbous, clump-forming perennial with broad, strap-shaped, glaucous leaves and flowers that are borne from late autumn into early winter. The relatively large, globular flowers have white outer segments and inner segments variably marked with green at the apex
Synonyms
Galanthus elwesii 'Hiemalis'Galanthus elwesii 'Hiemale'
see moreGalanthus elwesii var. monostictus 'Hiemalis'
Galanthus caucasicus var. hiemalis Stern
Galanthus caucasicus early-flowering
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Green White | |||
| Winter | Green White | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Galanthus are dwarf bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped leaves, and solitary, often honey-scented, nodding flowers with 3 white outer tepals and 3 smaller inner ones often marked with green
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer in sun or partial shade. See snowdrop cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division as the foliage dies back
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Garden edging
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to narcissus bulb fly
Diseases
May be susceptible to snowdrop grey mould
Get involved
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