Galanthus nivalis 'Lady Elphinstone'

One of the oldest and most distinctive yellow doubles, Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus ‘Lady Elphinstone’ is a charming and rather variable snowdrop with neat, double white flowers whose inner segments are flushed a remarkable apricot-yellow. The outer segments remain white, forming a crisp frame around the densely packed centre, while the narrow grey-green foliage gives the plant a relatively delicate appearance. Its colouring is famously capricious: following lifting and division, or occasionally from one season to the next, the yellow may temporarily disappear and the flowers revert towards green before the characteristic colour returns. (RHS⁠)

Origin: Discovered in 1890 at Heawood Hall, Cheshire, the home of Sir Graeme Elphinstone, and subsequently named ‘Lady Elphinstone’. The plant is one of the classic historical yellow snowdrops and has remained comparatively uncommon in cultivation, partly because of its tendency to lose its yellow colouring temporarily after disturbance. (Norfolk Snowdrops⁠)

A strong garden plant: ‘Lady Elphinstone’ is particularly prized for its unusual combination of double flower form and yellow colouring. When fully coloured, the warm apricot-yellow centre is exceptionally attractive, and the neat arrangement of the inner segments gives it considerably more refinement than the somewhat untidy doubles often associated with G. nivalis. Its occasional reversion should not be regarded as a defect but as part of the character of this historic cultivar.

In the garden: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or sun, allowing the soil to remain moist while actively growing. Avoid unnecessary lifting and division, particularly if strong yellow colouring is important, as disturbed plants may revert to green for a period before the yellow returns. Plant beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, in woodland-style planting or towards the front of a snowdrop collection where the flowers can be examined closely. (RHS⁠)

Height: 12–15cm
Spread: 10cm
Flowering: January–February
Hardiness: H5 (−15 to −10°C)
Aspect: Partial shade to sun
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained