Galanthus elwesii var. monostrictus ‘Frank Lebsa'

A particularly early and distinctive form of Galanthus elwesii, ‘Frank Lebsa’ belongs to the monostictus, or Hiemalis Group, characterised by a single main green marking on the inner segments and an unusually early flowering season. It was discovered by Elisabeth Lebsa in 1999, growing in a pot of giant snowdrops at the flower market in Dresden, Germany. The plant was subsequently named by her son, the well-known Galanthus enthusiast Jörg Lebsa, in honour of his brother Frank. 

The flowers are exceptionally handsome, with broad inner segments carrying a large, deep-green apical mark which covers considerably more than half of the segment. Particularly distinctive are the pale green markings on the outer segments, appearing on both their inner and outer surfaces and giving the flowers a subtle green-washed effect. The amount and intensity of this colouring can vary with the season, light and growing conditions. 

One of the great attractions of ‘Frank Lebsa’ is its remarkably early flowering, often beginning in October and following closely after Galanthus reginae-olgae. In mild autumns the foliage can emerge very early too, sometimes before other G. elwesii monostictus forms have even shown themselves. It is therefore one of those snowdrops that rather rudely ignores the convention that snowdrops are supposed to wait until winter. 

A vigorous and highly desirable cultivar, ‘Frank Lebsa’ is especially valuable for extending the snowdrop season backwards into autumn. Its combination of exceptionally early flowering, large inner markings and green colouring on the outer segments makes it one of the more distinctive members of the Hiemalis Group, and its discovery and naming also give it a particularly nice piece of modern German snowdrop history.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. Avoid waterlogged conditions, particularly when dormant. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.

Flowering: October–November, exceptionally early

Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK

Height: 12–15 cm

Spread: 10–15 cm

Nomenclature: Galanthus elwesii var. monostictus ‘Frank Lebsa’