Greater snowdrop is a bulb that produces elegant, teardrop-shaped white blooms. If you ever spot them, make sure to take a look inside the bulbs to see their hidden interior green petals and get a whiff of the honey-like scent they produce.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Galanthus elwesii, Elwes’s snowdrop or greater snowdrop, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to the Balkans and Asia Minor, where it is found in the countries of Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine and Turkey.
Galanthus elwesii was identified by the British botanist Henry John Elwes on a visit to Turkey in 1874. In early April, whilst in the mountains near Smyrna (modern Izmir), he came across “the fine large snowdrop which now bears my name”. It was then formally described by Joseph Dalton Hooker (1875) and named Galanthus elwesii, with an illustration by W H Fitch in Curtis’s Botanical Magazine. Thus the species bears his name as the botanical authority. Later the plants collected by Elwes were found to be Galanthus gracilis, but the name was retained for a different specimen.
This herbaceous perennial plant grows to 20–25 cm (7.9–9.8 in) high. It grows from a globose bulb, 2–3 cm in diameter. It produces two leaves which are obtuse, linear, and blue-green in color. The flowers are globose, white, pendulous, 2–3 cm long, and solitary at the tip of a solid, pointed scape. The outer floral tepals are oblanceolate, with shorter inner tepals that are emarginate (notched at the apex), tapering towards their base with green patches apically and basally (see illustrations). The fruit forms a dehiscent capsule with three valves. Overall Galanthus elwesii is a more robust plant than G. nivalis.
II. How to Grow and Care
Greater snowdrop is a bulbous perennial that’s generally low-maintenance, thriving in well-drained soil with moderate moisture and partial to full sun exposure. Special care points for greater snowdrop include ensuring good drainage to prevent bulb rot and providing a cold period to promote proper flowering, as it requires a chill to break dormancy. Avoid overwatering and fertilize sparingly to maintain greater snowdrop’s health.
Sunlight
Greater snowdrop thrives under partial sun conditions, where it receives some dappled sunlight but is also protected from the harsh midday sun. This balance promotes robust growth and vibrant blooms. While greater snowdrop can tolerate full shade, its ability to flower may be compromised, with a potential for leggier growth and fewer blooms. It is adept at adjusting to lower light, but for optimal health and aesthetics, a spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal.
Outdoors, greater snowdrops should be planted in a position that reflects these conditions, such as the east-facing side of a garden, while indoors, a spot with bright, indirect light suits it well.
Temperature
The greater snowdrop is native to parts of Central Europe and the Middle East, not the United Kingdom as many wrongly believe. This means that while it can survive in temperatures down to -18 ℃, it will not cope with temperatures consistently above 22 ℃. The ideal temperature for the greater snowdrop is 10 to 15 ℃ – this stimulates the outer petals of the flower to open up and display the nectar inside, which attracts bees.
While the greater snowdrop can grow in mild winters, it does not do well in the heat. Because of this, if you live in a hot climate, the greater snowdrop probably won’t do well in your garden.
Watering
Greater snowdrop thrives in moist conditions, mimicking its native habitat’s high humidity. This plant has a balanced water habit, neither drought-tolerant nor requiring excessive moisture. To maintain this balance, watering every week is recommended. Typically grown outdoors, greater snowdrop flourishes during the rainy season, its growth cycle attuned to the rhythm of rainfall.
Soil
Because the greater snowdrop naturally grows in woodland settings, it needs to be planted in soil that is moist, well-draining, and nutrient-rich. A loamy soil with a pH value of 6.5, so neutral to alkaline, would be perfect. A good tip is to use a mulch to increase the nutrients in the soil, as well as its moisture content.
While the greater snowdrop can survive in poor quality, acidic soil, it will not fare well in a soil that dries out very quickly – this will damage the plant’s roots.
Fertilizing
For greater snowdrop, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, or one high in phosphorus, is ideal post-flowering to enhance future blooms and vigor. Apply annually, in early spring, at the label-recommended rate, ensuring minimal disturbance to the bulb. Over-fertilization risks bulb damage. Seasonal changes dictate the needs; post-bloom nourishment supports root and bulb health. Practical tip: Dilute to half strength to prevent root burn, and avoid wet leaves to reduce disease risk.
Planting Instructions
While you can plant your greater snowdrop as a bulb in the fall, it will usually struggle to settle and thrive. Because of this, it is far easier to plant an already-flowering bulb, which is referred to as planting when ‘in green’.
To plant a flowering bulb, simply wait until the plant has started to flower in the spring, and then remove it and replant it. If the foliage has already begun to turn yellow, do not try to replant as it may struggle to settle. You will have to wait until the following year to attempt planting again.
You can plant your greater snowdrop in an outdoor container, but a flower bed is best to ensure that it has access to all the nutrients it needs. If planting in a container, make sure that it is a deep container with a good amount of drainage holes.
Your greater snowdrop will likely grow to around 25 cm tall, with a small spread. Because of this, consider planting at least ten flower bulbs 7 cm apart to give a full display. Ensure that they are planted around 5 cm deep, with the flat end of the bulb placed into the soil first. Sprinkling some organic granular fertilizer into the soil before planting the bulb will help with growth. Be sure to wear gloves when planting the greater snowdrop – it can be highly toxic to both animals and humans, and there have been reports of allergic reactions after handling the bulb.
Pruning
One of the many brilliant features of the greater snowdrop is that it is particularly low maintenance, and this includes pruning. Typically, your greater snowdrop will bloom from late winter until late spring. Once it has stopped blooming, foliage and flowers will simply fall away, and the plant will return to the ground until the following year. The great thing about this fallen foliage is that the plant will then utilize it as part of the soil to help it grow the next flowering season.
Propagation
Greater snowdrop is a bulbous perennial known for its elegant, nodding white flowers. To propagate, the bulbs should be divided and replanted immediately to maintain their vigor. It’s essential for gardeners to handle the bulbs with care and provide well-drained soil, ensuring each has sufficient space to develop. Gradually, these bulbs will form clumps that can be further divided to produce more plants.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant greater snowdrop is from the awakening of early spring to the gentle close of late spring, or during the quiescent embrace from early winter to the heart of mid-winter. Select a location with drained soil and partial shade. If necessary, add organic matter to enrich the site prior to transplanting.
Repotting
Best to repot greater snowdrop every 2-3 years to accommodate its growth, doing so in late winter before spring growth. A slightly larger pot promotes flourishing without risk of overwatering. Post-repotting, place greater snowdrop in bright, indirect light, ensuring well-draining soil. Regular watering after repotting assists recovery, but avoid water logging to prevent bulb rot for this tender perennial.
III. Uses and Benefits
Greater snowdrop is best planted en masse in sweeping drifts in woodlands, lawns, or under deciduous trees. Great in clusters in rock gardens or border fronts too.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
When in bloom, some choose to cut the flowers of the greater snowdrop for displays inside the home. To do this, cut the flowering stem close to the base and place it into a small vase with water.
