Galanthus elwesii 'Marlie Raphael'

A particularly elegant and distinctive form of Galanthus elwesii, ‘Marlie Raphael’ was discovered by Francis and Virginia Grant in 1999, growing beneath a smokebush (Cotinus coggygria) in the garden of Kingston Bagpuize House in Oxfordshire. The plant was subsequently named at the Galanthus Gala in 2000 after Marlie Raphael, a former owner of the garden. It has since become a much-admired selection, combining the substantial flowers of G. elwesii with unusually attractive green markings extending onto the outer segments.

The flowers are large and elegantly held, with rounded outer segments carrying conspicuous green markings towards their apices. The inner segments have a strong green marking, often forming an attractive X-like pattern, while the outer segments may show irregular green splashes and streaks rather than simply a neat green tip. The broad, glaucous foliage gives it the substantial appearance expected of G. elwesii, while the relatively refined flowers prevent it from becoming coarse.

An especially attractive snowdrop for close inspection, ‘Marlie Raphael’ has a sophisticated quality: large and showy without being ungainly, and green-marked without becoming excessively green. The combination of rounded white outers, green apical markings and strongly marked inners makes it readily recognisable and gives it considerable appeal in a collection.

There is something particularly pleasing about its provenance. Discovered beneath a Cotinus in a historic Oxfordshire garden in 1999, it was subsequently named for one of the garden’s former owners — a rather more satisfying piece of horticultural history than simply attaching a name to an anonymous bulb.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or deciduous woodland. The original plant’s association with Cotinus coggygria illustrates its suitability for growing beneath deciduous shrubs, where it can enjoy winter and early-spring light followed by summer shade. Avoid prolonged summer drought and waterlogging, and allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.

Flowering: January–February

Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C

Height: 14–18cm

Spread: 10–15cm