Galanthus elwesii var. elwesii

The large-flowered, broad-leaved giant of the snowdrop world, Galanthus elwesii var. elwesii makes a notably robust clump of broad, glaucous leaves, often reaching 25–30cm in flower. Its substantial, honey-scented blooms have rounded white outer segments and shorter inner segments typically carrying two green marks—one at the apex and another towards the base. These markings can merge, disappear into broader green areas or vary considerably between populations, making this a wonderfully variable wild snowdrop. 

Origin: Native from southeastern Europe through Türkiye to southwestern Ukraine, growing in woodland, scrub and grassy habitats. The species was brought into cultivation by Henry John Elwes, who encountered the large snowdrop in Türkiye in 1874; it was subsequently described by J. D. Hooker in 1875. 

In the garden: An excellent naturalising snowdrop, particularly effective beneath deciduous trees where its broad foliage and large flowers make it noticeably more substantial than G. nivalis. Give it moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil that does not dry out completely in summer. 

Height: 20–30cm
Spread: 15–25cm
Flowering: January–March
Hardiness: H5 (−15 to −10°C)
Aspect: Partial shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained