Galanthus nivalis ‘Bitton’

An historic snowdrop from Bitton Rectory near Bristol, the home of Canon Henry Nicholson Ellacombe, one of the great Victorian snowdrop enthusiasts. Galanthus nivalis ‘Bitton’ is an elegant, early-flowering form with handsome, well-proportioned flowers distinguished by their subtle olive-green colouring and green ovary. The name has occasionally been misapplied to other snowdrops, but the original Bitton form remains associated with Ellacombe’s famous garden, where it is still grown today.

Bitton was at the heart of the Victorian snowdrop world, and Ellacombe was instrumental in exchanging and distributing many important forms. ‘Bitton’ therefore has particular historical interest, as well as being an attractive garden snowdrop in its own right.

Cultivation: Best grown in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in deciduous shade or partial shade. Excellent beneath shrubs and trees, where the bulbs can remain undisturbed and gradually form substantial clumps. Hardy throughout the UK.

Height: 15–20cm
Spread: 10–15cm
Flowering: January–February