Galanthus nivalis ‘Viridapice’

A wonderfully distinctive form of the common snowdrop, ‘Viridapice’ is recognised by its green-tipped outer segments, echoed by green markings on the inner segments. The flowers are relatively large and fragrant, while the long spathe can be unusually extended and inflated, sometimes giving the flowering stem a rather hooded appearance. It is a variable plant, with some forms notably more vigorous than others. 

Origin: Introduced from material found in the Netherlands by J. M. C. Hoog, of the famous Dutch bulb firm C. G. van Tubergen/Hoog & Co. The form was already sufficiently distinctive to be illustrated by E. A. Bowles in 1916. 

In the garden: An excellent collector’s snowdrop and a good naturalising subject, particularly in moist, humus-rich soil beneath deciduous trees. Its unusual green-tipped flowers and occasionally elongated spathe make it instantly recognisable.

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

• Nomenclature note: The RHS currently accepts Galanthus nivalis ‘Viridapice’ and awards it an AGM. The cultivar is sometimes associated with the Scharlockii Group because of its variable elongated spathe, but ‘Viridapice’ is maintained as a distinct cultivar name. The RHS notes that seed may not come true