Galanthus ‘Godfrey Owen’

A particularly remarkable and beautifully proportioned double form of the greater snowdrop, Galanthus elwesii ‘Godfrey Owen’ is unique among snowdrops for its perfectly symmetrical flowers carrying six outer and six inner segments. The broad, pure-white outer segments open into a wide lampshade-like flower, while the six inner segments each carry a small green apical mark, neatly divided by the notch at the tip. The exceptional symmetry gives every flower an almost architectural quality, making this one of the most distinctive and desirable forms of G. elwesii. 

Origin: Found by the celebrated Shropshire plantswoman Margaret Owen in her garden near Shrewsbury around 1996. She named the plant after her late husband, Godfrey Owen. It was subsequently introduced to galanthophile collections and became one of the most celebrated snowdrops of the late 1990s and early 2000s. RarePlants records the plant as being found around 1996 and notes its RHS awards of PC in 2006, AM in 2009 and FCC in 2011. 

A strong garden plant: Despite its extraordinary flower form, ‘Godfrey Owen’ is notably well behaved in cultivation, forming good-sized clumps and flowering reliably in mid-season. The six-plus-six symmetry is particularly striking when the flowers open fully, when they resemble small white paper lampshades. It is one of those snowdrops whose identity is immediately apparent even to someone unfamiliar with the cultivar. 

In the garden: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or an open position with good winter light. Keep the soil moist during active growth but avoid waterlogging during summer dormancy. Allow the foliage to die back naturally and avoid unnecessary disturbance once established. Particularly effective in a dedicated snowdrop bed, beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, or where the flowers can be viewed closely enough for their extraordinary symmetry to be appreciated.

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