Galanthus ‘Dodo Norton’

A diminutive but wonderfully substantial snowdrop, Galanthus ‘Dodo Norton’ was found in 1990 growing in the famous Ditch Garden at East Lambrook Manor in Somerset, the garden made famous by the great plantswoman Margery Fish. A very dwarf Galanthus × valentinei of the ‘Mighty Atom’ type, it reaches barely 8–10cm yet produces remarkably large, heavy flowers, creating a delightful contrast between its tiny stature and outsized blooms. The broad, slightly shouldered outer segments have a distinctive puckered or ribbed texture, while the inner segments carry a clear inverted green V.

It was named in 2000 for Dodo Norton, who, with her husband Andrew, was among the owners responsible for maintaining East Lambrook Manor and its gardens between 1985 and 1999. A particularly characterful little snowdrop and a fine example of the robust, large-flowered ‘Mighty Atom’ style.

Cultivation: Best grown in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in light or partial shade. An excellent choice for the front of borders, beneath deciduous shrubs or in a woodland-style planting. Hardy throughout most of the UK.

Height: 8–10cm
Spread: 10–15cm
Flowering: February–March