Galanthus woronowii

RHS Plant Profile
giant snowdrop

Synonyms

Galanthus ikariae Woronowii Group
Galanthus ikariae misapplied
Galanthus latifolius misapplied

Award of Garden Merit
Bulbs

A compact bulbous perennial to 15cm tall, with strap-like bright green leaves and nodding white flowers in early spring, with green markings on the inner segments

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
Correct
Plant Range
Turkey to Caucasus

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer.. This species comes mainly from north- eastern Turkey and eastern Georgia and southern Russia and is often found on chalk, but has a wide range of soils and conditions under which it grows. In the garden it is easy to grow and its leaves are a fresh green, making a change from the glaucous leaves of many other species. See snowdrop cultivation for further information.

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

  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required.

Pests

May be susceptible to narcissus bulb fly

Diseases

May be susceptible to snowdrop grey mould