Galanthus ‘Moya's Green’

A particularly distinctive form of the greater snowdrop, Galanthus elwesii ‘Moya’s Green’ is immediately recognisable for its unusually narrow, elongated flowers and exceptionally long outer segments. These are marked with a curious band of pale olive-green towards their tips, while the inner segments carry strong green markings. The combination of narrow flower form, elongated outer segments and unusual olive-green colouring gives it an unmistakable character, making ‘Moya’s Green’ one of the more distinctive green-marked forms of G. elwesii.

Origin: Found by Moya Green at Brandy Mount, Alresford, where it occurred as a distinctive plant of Galanthus elwesii. The clone was subsequently named ‘Moya’s Green’ after its finder and has since become established in specialist collections. Its precise date of discovery is not recorded.

A strong garden plant: ‘Moya’s Green’ combines the vigour of G. elwesii with a flower form markedly different from the broader, heavier flowers of many cultivars. The long outer segments and pale olive-green markings give the flowers considerable elegance, while the strongly green-marked inner segments provide an attractive contrast with the white outer flower. It is an excellent collector’s snowdrop but also a good garden plant, particularly where individual flowers can be appreciated at close quarters.

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 moist during active growth. Avoid waterlogging during summer dormancy and allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Particularly effective beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, at the front of woodland planting or in a dedicated snowdrop bed where its unusual flower markings can be appreciated.

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