Galanthus nivalis ‘Whirling Dervish’

A wonderfully eccentric form of the common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis ‘Whirling Dervish’ was selected for its unusual tendency to throw the outer segments dramatically sideways, giving the flowers a lively, almost spinning appearance. Rather than forming the conventional pendant, neatly symmetrical snowdrop flower, the outer segments can splay outwards at striking angles, creating considerable variation from flower to flower. A fascinating selection for the collector and a charming example of the small but remarkable variations that occur within G. nivalis.

Origin: Selected by Edulis for its pronounced tendency to produce flowers with the outer segments projecting sideways, and named ‘Whirling Dervish’ for this distinctive characteristic.

In the garden: Best planted where the unusual flowers can be viewed at close quarters. Allow bulbs to establish undisturbed, as the characteristic is best appreciated on mature, well-established plants. Excellent beneath deciduous trees and shrubs or naturalised through a woodland-style planting.

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