Snowdrops
Large snowdrop
Large snowdrop: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
The greater snowdrop described here is Galanthus elwesii, a small bulbous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae family. It is also known as Elwes's snowdrop. It belongs to the genus Galanthus and is distinct from summer snowflake, Leucojum aestivum. Both plants have white flowers, but their outlines and flowering seasons differ. Greater snowdrop provides a low, early presence that suits garden scenes towards the end of winter.Its leaves are broad for a snowdrop, grey-green in colour and covered with a glaucous surface. They accompany slender stems, each carrying one solitary, nodding flower. Plants can reach around 30 cm in height, depending on the individual and conditions; some commercially available bulbs produce shorter plants. The word greater therefore expresses a comparison with other snowdrops rather than suggesting a tall border perennial.Each flower has three large white outer segments, reaching about 2.5 cm long, and three shorter inner segments. The inner ones have green…
