Galanthus nivalis ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’

A short, distinctive and rather spiky form of the common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’ is notable for its unusually neat, upright habit and green-tipped outer segments. The flowers are relatively small but carried prominently above the foliage, with the outer segments showing a clear green suffusion towards their tips, giving the flowers a particularly crisp, graphic appearance. The overall effect is more diminutive and sharply defined than the rather soft, rounded character of many forms of G. nivalis.

The name ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’ is an appropriately eccentric one for such an individual little snowdrop. It was given to us by the late Phil Cornish in 2020, and appears to be a distinctive selection rather than a widely distributed old cultivar. Like many snowdrops, its exact appearance can vary somewhat with growing conditions, but the green-tipped outer segments are a consistent feature. It makes an excellent choice for the front of a collection or planted where its smaller stature and precise markings can be appreciated at close quarters. 

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or deciduous woodland. Avoid prolonged summer drought and allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Plant in groups where possible to show off its compact habit and distinctive flowers.

Flowering: January–February

Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C

Height: 10–15cm

Spread: 10–15cm