Galanthus 'Ailwyn' (d)

RHS Plant Profile
snowdrop 'Ailwyn'

Synonyms

Galanthus 'Lady Fairhaven'

Award of Garden Merit
Bulbs

A bulbous perennial to 20cm in height, with narrow, grey-green leaves and solitary, nodding, double, white flowers, the inner petals very neat and symmetrical, marked with an inverted V sometimes with one or two spots above

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
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 seed sown in containers in an open frame when ripe or by division when foliage dies back. Seed may not come true

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