Galanthus 'Cockapoo'

A wonderfully eccentric and highly variable selection of Galanthus nivalis, ‘Cockapoo’ was selected by Edulis Nursery in 2019 for its unpredictable and rather exuberant character. An aberrant form that seems determined not to do quite the same thing twice, individual flowers can vary considerably from year to year in their shape, markings and overall expression. In other words, consistency is not really part of the job description.

The flowers retain the essential character of G. nivalis but can produce an assortment of curious variations, with changes in the extent and intensity of green marking and in the way the segments are arranged. One season a plant may produce particularly striking flowers, while the following year it can look distinctly different. Even within a clump there can be considerable variation, making ‘Cockapoo’ particularly entertaining for those who enjoy their snowdrops with a little less predictability.

The name was chosen with deliberate affection for its resemblance in character to the dog: slightly crazy, unpredictable and never quite the same from one year to the next. It is a snowdrop to grow for amusement as much as for botanical interest, and one that is likely to keep the collector looking carefully at it every February.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or deciduous woodland. Avoid prolonged summer drought and winter waterlogging. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Best grown where the flowers can be inspected closely and its annual variations appreciated.

Flowering: January–February
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Height: 15–20cm
Spread: 10–15cm