Galanthus ‘Peter Gatehouse’

One of the earliest and most distinctive forms of Galanthus elwesii, often flowering from October and normally well before Christmas. It was given by Peter Gatehouse of Kent to Elizabeth Strangman of Washfield Nursery, Hawkhurst, in 1994, and subsequently named in his honour. 

A relatively short, exceptionally neat plant, with soft silvery-grey foliage and good-sized, symmetrically triangular flowers. The inner segments carry a substantial olive-to-mid-green marking, extending well beyond the midpoint and forming a distinctive scissor-like pattern, while the long outer segments give the flower an elegant, open character. Vigorous, dependable and wonderfully early — a snowdrop for those who simply cannot wait until February. 

• Flowering: October–December
• Height: 10–12 cm
• Spread: 10–15 cm
• Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)
• Origin: Given by Peter Gatehouse to Elizabeth Strangman, 1994
• Classification: Galanthus elwesii