Galanthus elwesii 'Wessex Titan'

Elwes's Snowdrop 'Wessex Titan' Amaryllidaceae

A genuine giant among snowdrops, ‘Wessex Titan’ combines the substantial stature of Galanthus elwesii with exceptionally large flowers—the outer segments can reach an impressive 4.5cm. The flowers are not merely large but strongly honey-scented, adding fragrance to an already imposing performance. With bulbs reportedly reaching the size of a large daffodil, this is a snowdrop that has clearly misunderstood the usual rules about staying small. 

Origin: Found by Paul Barney in a garden at Ashampstead, Berkshire, in 2011. It was selected for its enormous flowers, strong fragrance and vigour. It is similar to Galanthus elwesii ‘Yvonne Hay’, but flowers about two weeks later and has a considerably stronger scent. 

In the garden: A vigorous cultivar that bulks up quickly, making an impressive clump. Give it moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade, and plant it where its unusually large flowers can be appreciated at close quarters.

Height: 23cm
Spread: 15–25cm
Flowering: February–March
Hardiness: H5 (−15 to −10°C)
Aspect: Sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained