Galanthus ‘Dryad Gold Bullion’

One of the most charming compact yellow snowdrops, Galanthus × valentinei ‘Dryad Gold Bullion’ is a particularly free-flowering and vigorous selection, with small, neatly proportioned flowers carried on upright stems above short, glaucous foliage. The cylindrical ovary is a clear yellow, complemented by a sharply defined yellow inverted-U marking on the inner segments. The flowers are relatively large in proportion to the plant, while the compact habit makes it especially effective in pots, troughs or planted where its golden colouring can catch the winter light. It is also notably floriferous, often producing a succession of flowers rather than merely one or two blooms per bulb. 

Origin: Raised by Anne Wright of Dryad Nursery as part of her remarkable Dryad Gold Group. The group originated from deliberate hand-pollination between the yellow snowdrops G. plicatus ‘Wendy’s Gold’ and G. nivalis ‘Lutescens’ (now generally treated under the Sandersii group). Seedlings first flowered in 2010, with an unexpectedly high proportion showing yellow colouring. ‘Dryad Gold Bullion’ was subsequently selected, propagated and tested for stability over many years before being released. As a plicatus × nivalis hybrid it is classified as Galanthus × valentinei. 

A particularly good garden yellow: Unlike some of the more demanding yellow snowdrops, ‘Dryad Gold Bullion’ has the hybrid vigour associated with its parentage and is reported to multiply rapidly and flower freely. It is smaller and later flowering than ‘Dryad Gold Sovereign’, reaching only about 8cm when in flower, but compensating with its prolific flowering and compact habit. 

In the garden: An excellent choice for a raised bed, rock garden, trough or pot, where its diminutive stature and yellow colouring can be appreciated at close quarters. Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, preferably where it receives good winter and early-spring light. Avoid prolonged summer drought and allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.

Height: 8cm
Spread: 10–15cm
Flowering: February–March
Hardiness: H5 (−15 to −10°C)
Aspect: Partial shade to sun
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained