Galanthus nivalis 'Snow Leopard'

A distinctive and rather characterful Galanthus nivalis hybrid, ‘Snow Leopard’ is the result of a cross between the well-known virescent snowdrop ‘Green Tear’ and ‘Prague Spring’. At around 12cm tall, it is a compact plant, but the flowers are anything but insignificant, combining the green-tipped character of its parents with a strongly marked, somewhat eccentric appearance.

The outer segments carry conspicuous green colouring towards their tips, while the inner segments are attractively marked in green, giving the flowers a patterned appearance against the white. The combination of two strongly marked parents has produced something with plenty of personality, and the name ‘Snow Leopard’ seems particularly appropriate for a snowdrop whose markings are rather more adventurous than those of the average G. nivalis. Both ‘Green Tear’ and ‘Prague Spring’ are recognised among the distinctive green-marked forms cultivated by galanthophiles. 

A choice collector’s snowdrop, particularly appealing for those interested in the remarkable range of forms that can be produced from G. nivalis. Its modest height makes it especially effective towards the front of a border or in a trough, where the flowers can be examined at close quarters rather than disappearing into a larger planting.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or deciduous woodland. Avoid prolonged summer drought. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Plant where its small stature and distinctive markings can be appreciated.

Flowering: January–February

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

Height: 12cm

Spread: 10–15cm