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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
© Niki Simpson 1998
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Other common names Elwes's snowdrop greater snowdrop
Synonyms Galanthus graecus Orph. ex Boiss.
Family Amaryllidaceae
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
Details G. elwesii is a perennial to 30cm, with broad, glaucous leaves and nodding, solitary white flowers in late winter, the outer segments to 2.5cm in length, inner ones flared at tip, with both basal and apical green marks that sometimes merge into one
Plant range Balkans, W Turkey
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Tufted
Toxicity Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H5
Partial Shade
Aspect South-facing or North-facing or West-facing or East-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Sand
Loam
MoistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Sand, Loam
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 0.1-0.5 metres
Ultimate spread 0-0.1 metre
Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
Cultivation Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer.
Propagation Propagate by seed, sown in containers in an open frame when ripe or division when foliage dies back. Seed may not come true
Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Underplanting of Roses and Shrubs Cottage & Informal Garden Rock Garden Wildflower meadow
Pruning No pruning required
Pests Can get narcissus bulb fly and slugs
Diseases May be infected by a grey mould
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
Elwes's snowdrop
Buy from £4.99 at the RHS Plants Shop
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