Galanthus lagodechianus

A handsome and rather underappreciated Caucasian snowdrop, Galanthus lagodechianus was described by the Georgian botanist Mariam Kemularia-Nathadze in 1947, the specific epithet referring to Lagodekhi in eastern Georgia. It occurs naturally across the Caucasus, including eastern Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and parts of the North Caucasus, growing in deciduous woodland and forest margins at roughly 800–1500m. 

The plants produce narrow, linear, deep green leaves with an attractive slightly glossy appearance, followed by solitary, nodding white flowers. The inner segments carry a distinctive green marking towards the tip, usually forming a narrow inverted-V or horseshoe-shaped mark. The scape is notably longer than the leaves at flowering, giving the flowers an elegant lift above the foliage. 

Taxonomically it has had rather more names than it really needed. Galanthus ketzkhovelii, G. cabardensis and G. kemulariae are all currently treated by Kew as synonyms of G. lagodechianus. The species itself, however, is firmly accepted — so there is no need to invite all its former identities round for dinner. 

It is a notably late-flowering species, generally flowering in March and sometimes extending into early April, making it useful for carrying the snowdrop season towards its conclusion. In Armenia it is recorded from oak–hornbeam and beech–hornbeam woodland, forest edges, clearings and shrubland. Wild populations are restricted and the Armenian Red Data Book considers it endangered, with habitat loss and collection among the pressures on its remaining populations. 

A fascinating species for the collector, combining handsome glossy foliage, elegant flowers and a distinctive green inner marking with the considerable advantage of flowering when many of the more fashionable snowdrops have already packed their bags for the season. It is also a useful reminder that the Caucasus remains one of the great centres of snowdrop diversity.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. It appreciates cool woodland conditions and should not be allowed to dry out excessively during the growing season. Excellent for naturalising in woodland-style planting or for growing in a specialist snowdrop collection. Propagate by division as the foliage dies back or by twin-scaling when dormant.

Flowering: March–April
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Height: 10–20cm
Spread: 10–15cm