Galanthus elwesii ‘Happy New Year'

A handsome and distinctive early-flowering selection of the Turkish snowdrop, Galanthus elwesii ‘Happy New Year’ was found growing within a colony of G. elwesii var. elwesii. It has the substantial flowers and broad, grey-green foliage characteristic of the species, with rounded white outer segments surrounding inner segments neatly marked in green. The flowers are carried on strong stems above the foliage, giving the plant good presence in the winter garden. True to its name, it flowers around New Year and is a particularly useful cultivar for bringing substantial snowdrop flowers into the garden at the very beginning of the season, although it reliably follows ‘Santa Claus’ in flowering time.

Origin: Found as a distinct plant within a colony of Galanthus elwesii var. elwesii. The precise locality, finder and date of discovery are not recorded, but the plant has subsequently been maintained as the named selection ‘Happy New Year’.

A strong garden plant: ‘Happy New Year’ combines the vigour and substantial flower size associated with G. elwesii with a notably early flowering period. It is consistently later than ‘Santa Claus’, but flowers around the turn of the year, making it an especially valuable addition to a collection of early snowdrops. Like the species, it is capable of forming substantial clumps when established and left undisturbed.

In the garden: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or an open position with good winter light. G. elwesii is tolerant of relatively open conditions and will perform well in sun provided the soil remains reasonably moist during active growth. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering and avoid unnecessary disturbance once established. Particularly effective beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, where the flowers can be enjoyed against the winter garden before the deciduous canopy develops.

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