Galanthus ‘Acton Pigot No.3’

A vigorous and particularly attractive early-flowering hybrid, Galanthus ‘Acton Pigot No. 3’ was one of three seedlings selected by the late Margaret Owen at her garden at Acton Pigot in Shropshire in 1993. The seedlings were simply numbered 1, 2 and 3, with No. 3 generally regarded as the finest of the trio. It is believed to have arisen from G. plicatus ‘John Long’. 

The flowers are good-sized and beautifully poised, with unusually pointed, splayed outer segments and a large, almost emerald- or lime-green marking covering much of the inner segments. The ovary is particularly distinctive: somewhat elongated, with a pronounced constriction where it joins the flower and often showing a subtle olive-green colouring. The foliage is pale, glaucous blue-green and slightly splayed, while mature plants commonly produce two scapes. It is a vigorous grower and a notably early snowdrop, often flowering in January. 

A lovely snowdrop for those who appreciate character rather than mere size, with its pointed outers, unusually shaped ovary and strong green inner markings making it readily recognisable when compared with related cultivars such as ‘Tubby Merlin’. The flowers can be rather more substantial and better poised than those of the latter, giving ‘Acton Pigot No. 3’ a considerable presence despite its relatively modest stature. 

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or deciduous woodland. Avoid prolonged summer drought. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. A good choice for naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs or for planting where its unusually early flowers can be appreciated.

Flowering: January–February

Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C

Height: 15–20cm

Spread: 10–15cm