Galanthus elwesii ‘Fly Fishing’

A wonderfully distinctive snowdrop from Avon Bulbs, its most memorable feature being the extraordinarily long, slender pedicel which holds the flower far out from the foliage, allowing the large white bloom to bob and dance in the slightest breeze. The effect is rather like a fly suspended from a fishing rod — hence the name, and an unusually good example of a cultivar whose name actually tells the story.

‘Fly Fishing’ was found as a seedling beneath hazel bushes at Avon Bulbs by the late Alan Street, who recognised its exceptional potential. It was subsequently introduced by Street, around 2011–12. The flowers are good-sized, with a strong, clearly defined inverted-V mark on the inner segments. It is an early flowerer, sometimes opening before New Year and, in favourable seasons, remarkably early. 

• Hardy: H5 (-15 to -10°C) 
• Height: 20–25 cm
• Spread: 10–15 cm
• Flowers: December–February