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Galanthus elwesii

Image of Galanthus elwesii

Ednie Flower Bulb, Inc.

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Botanical Name

Galanthus elwesii

Plant Common Name

Giant Snowdrop

General Description

Giant snowdrops are very-early blooming, bulbous perennials, native to southeastern Europe. They produce honey-scented, pendant flowers in winter, often through the snow. White flowers marked with green inner tepals emerge on slender stems from a basal clump of twisted, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. The giant snowdrop is better suited to mild winter climates than the common snowdrop. The bulbs are poisonous if eaten.

Snowdrops couldn’t be easier or more rewarding to grow. Plant the bulbs in the fall in moist, but well-drained soil with plenty of humus. They prefer full sun while they are blooming and partial shade after. The foliage neatly dies back after blooming. They must have a prolonged chilling period in winter to yield flowers. Do not disturb the bulbs, but rather allow them to naturalize and spread in the area where first planted. Use snowdrops in masses under deciduous trees or shrubs, in rock gardens, the mixed border, or in containers. The fragrant flowers are lovely when cut and displayed in bud vases.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    3 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

  • Plant Type

    Bulb or Corm or Tuber

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    9"-12" / 22.9cm - 30.5cm

  • Width

    4"-8" / 10.2cm - 20.3cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Winter

  • Native To

    Eastern Europe, Russia/Siberia, Turkey

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Alpine, Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes