Galanthus alpinus var. bortkewitschianus

A distinctive Caucasian snowdrop with a particularly interesting botanical history, Galanthus alpinus var. bortkewitschianus is a localised form of G. alpinus native to Kabardah in the North Caucasus. The species itself has a considerably wider distribution, extending from north-eastern Türkiye through the Transcaucasus and into the North Caucasus, but var. bortkewitschianus is specifically associated with the latter region. 

The plant was originally described as Galanthus bortkewitschianus by Koss in 1951, but is now treated by Kew as Galanthus alpinus var. bortkewitschianus (Koss) A.P.Davis, a combination published in 1996. The epithet commemorates Bortkewitsch, and the older name G. bortkewitschianus remains an important synonym when tracing the plant through older literature and collections. 

A fascinating example of how our understanding of snowdrop relationships has changed: what was once regarded as a distinct species is now placed within the variable G. alpinus. For the specialist collection, it is particularly valuable as a geographically defined Caucasian form with a well-documented nomenclatural pedigree.

Cultivation: Best grown in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in light deciduous shade or partial shade. Hardy throughout the UK.

Height: 15–20cm
Spread: 10–15cm
Flowering: February–March
Range: Kabardah, North Caucasus