Galanthus elwesii ‘Grumpy’

A particularly distinctive form of Galanthus elwesii, ‘Grumpy’ was found and named by Joe Sharman in 1990 in the garden of the explorer Sir Vivian Fuchs in Cambridge. The name is wonderfully literal: when the flowers open, the green markings on the inner segments form two ‘eyes’ above a strongly downturned green mark, producing an uncannily convincing grumpy face. It has subsequently become one of the most recognisable and sought-after forms of G. elwesii, and a favourite with galanthophiles precisely because its flowers seem to possess an expression of their own.

The flowers are substantial and rather solid-looking, with broad, rounded outer segments and strongly marked inner segments. The characteristic green pattern consists of two separate green spots towards the upper part of the inner segments with a broad inverted-V beneath, creating the unmistakable frowning expression. The flowers are held neatly above the foliage, while the plant itself has the robust character typical of G. elwesii. The markings can become considerably more pronounced as a plant establishes, so an immature clump may not initially display the full ‘Grumpy’ expression.

A snowdrop with genuine personality rather than merely a clever name. Few cultivars can be identified quite so readily from their flowers alone, and ‘Grumpy’ is consequently one of those plants that invariably stops visitors in their tracks. It is also a useful reminder that, in the world of snowdrops, a little well-placed green pigment can give a perfectly respectable bulb considerably more attitude than it was ever intended to have.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or deciduous woodland. Avoid prolonged summer drought, particularly while plants are establishing, and allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. A good choice for naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs or growing in pots where the unusual markings can be inspected at close quarters.

Flowering: January–February

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

Height: 20–25cm

Spread: 10–15cm