Galanthus ‘Greenfinch’

A striking and highly distinctive snowdrop, Galanthus ‘Greenfinch’ was selected by Richard Hobbs in 1990 from the old garden of Heyrick Greatorex at Brundall, Norfolk. It is a robust plant with the broad, somewhat glaucous foliage characteristic of G. plicatus influence, and large, rounded flowers carried on strong stems. The inner segments are boldly marked in dark green, while the outer segments are particularly remarkable, being heavily striped with strong green lines towards their tips. The tips of the outers are often tightly pinched, giving the flowers an almost beak-like appearance—an excellent reason for its rather apt name.

The connection with Heyrick Greatorex is especially appropriate, as Greatorex was one of the great pioneers of snowdrop breeding, and his former garden has continued to produce interesting plants long after his death. ‘Greenfinch’ is one of the most notable discoveries from the site and has become a much-admired snowdrop amongst collectors. Despite its striking appearance it is not a rampant increaser, so established clumps are well worth giving room to develop.

A superb choice for anyone who enjoys the more strongly virescent end of snowdrop variation. The dark green striping of the outer segments is unusually emphatic, making ‘Greenfinch’ readily recognisable even amongst a collection containing many green-marked cultivars.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or deciduous woodland. Avoid prolonged summer drought. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Give established clumps time to build rather than disturbing them unnecessarily.

Flowering: January–February

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

Height: 15–20cm

Spread: 10–15cm