Galanthus 'Grüner Ostern'

A late-flowering green snowdrop, the name meaning Green Easter, and an appropriately seasonal choice for a plant that can remain in flower well after many of the early Galanthus have finished. It is regarded as an elwesii × nivalis hybrid, combining the broad-leaved character of G. elwesii with the later-season appeal of the hybrid.

The flowers have solid green inner segments with only a small white notch at the base, producing a wonderfully emphatic green centre. The broad foliage reinforces the elwesii influence and gives the plant a substantial appearance.

According to Günter Waldorf, the plant was found by Hagen Engelmann on 26 March 2005 — Easter Saturday — in a private garden in Brandenburg. The timing of its discovery explains the name beautifully: Grüner Ostern, literally ‘Green Easter’. (Galanthamomanie⁠)

A particularly good choice for extending the snowdrop season, and one of those cultivars whose name tells at least half the story. Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage, preferably in deciduous shade.

• Hardiness: H6, approximately −20 to −15°C
• Height: 12–15 cm
• Spread: 10–15 cm
• Flowers: March–April, late season
• Type: G. elwesii × G. nivalis hybrid
• Origin: Found in a private garden, Brandenburg
• Selected by: Hagen Engelmann
• Found: 26 March 2005, Easter Saturday