Galanthus x valentinei ‘Belvedere Gold'

A vigorous and handsome yellow hybrid, Galanthus × valentinei ‘Belvedere Gold’ is distinguished by its substantial butter-yellow ovary and strong yellow-green markings on the inner segments. The outer segments are rounded, smooth and pure white, providing a clean contrast with the large inverted heart-shaped mark within. Yellow colouring also extends subtly into the scape and spathe, while the relatively narrow yellow ovary gives the flower an elegant profile. The combination of strong growth, good flower form and reliable yellow colouring makes ‘Belvedere Gold’ one of the more useful yellow hybrids for the garden.

Origin: Raised in the garden of Gisela Schmiemann at Belvedere, Cologne, Germany. The plant is a hybrid of Galanthus nivalis × G. plicatus and is therefore correctly classified as Galanthus × valentinei. Belvedere was the Cologne park associated with Schmiemann’s garden, and the cultivar was named ‘Belvedere Gold’ in reference to this connection. The precise date of its selection is not recorded in the sources available. 

A strong garden plant: ‘Belvedere Gold’ is particularly valuable for its combination of vigour and yellow colouring. It increases readily when established and can be quite prolific, producing flowers with a conspicuous butter-yellow ovary and strong inner markings. Unlike some yellow snowdrops that can be slow or temperamental, it has a reputation for being a dependable garden plant, making it suitable both for the serious collection and for a more general winter planting. 

In the garden: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or an open position with good winter light. It will tolerate full sun provided the soil remains consistently moist during active growth, although partial shade generally gives the best conditions for snowdrops. Avoid waterlogging during summer dormancy and allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Particularly effective beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, in woodland-style planting or in a dedicated yellow snowdrop collection. 

Height: 15–20cm
Spread: 10–15cm
Flowering: February–March
Hardiness: H5 (−15 to −10°C)
Aspect: Partial shade to sun
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained