Galanthus ‘Madelaine’

A superb yellow-marked form of Galanthus plicatus, ‘Madelaine’ was found by Joe Sharman in 2002 at Monksilver Nursery, Cambridgeshire, and named for his niece. One of the most vigorous of the yellow snowdrops, it rapidly forms substantial clumps and is particularly valuable as a garden plant as well as for the collection. 

The lime-yellow markings on the inner segments are complemented by a yellowish-green ovary, while the characteristic strongly pleated foliage confirms its G. plicatus affinity. The yellow colouring can vary considerably with soil and growing conditions, generally becoming more strongly yellow as the flowers mature. Compared with ‘Wendy’s Gold’, ‘Madelaine’ is somewhat more refined, with narrower, greener foliage and longer, more elegant outer segments. 

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or beneath deciduous trees. Good light encourages the strongest colour. Avoid prolonged summer drought and allow the foliage to die back naturally.

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