Galanthus ‘Desdemona’

A classic Greatorex double, ‘Desdemona’ was selected by the celebrated English snowdrop breeder Heyrick Greatorex (1884–1954) from his crosses involving Galanthus plicatus and G. nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’. It belongs to the group now known as the Greatorex Doubles, many of which Greatorex named after Shakespearean characters; ‘Desdemona’ commemorates Othello’s tragic wife. 

One of the largest and strongest of the Greatorex doubles, it produces relatively tall stems carrying substantial, irregularly double white flowers. The outer segments may carry fine green markings towards their tips, while the numerous inner segments are neatly marked with inverted green V-shaped markings. A robust, dependable cultivar and an excellent choice for a strong display in the winter garden. 

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in sun or light deciduous shade. Excellent beneath trees and shrubs. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.

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