Galanthus plicatus

A superb and robust species, Galanthus plicatus is one of the most important snowdrops in cultivation and a parent of many outstanding garden hybrids. It forms sturdy clumps of broad, pleated, grey-green leaves, from which rise well-proportioned white flowers with rounded outer segments. The inner segments are typically marked with green at the apex, although considerable variation occurs in wild populations. The foliage is particularly distinctive, with the strongly folded leaves providing an excellent means of recognising the species.

Origin: Native to southern Ukraine, the Crimea, northern Turkey and adjacent areas of the Caucasus, where it occurs in woodland, scrub and grassy habitats. It was introduced to Britain in the nineteenth century and has played a major role in the development of modern snowdrop cultivars.

In the garden: A vigorous and dependable species, particularly useful for naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. It prefers a moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil that remains reasonably moist while actively growing, but with good drainage during summer. Established clumps can be left undisturbed for many years.

Height: 12–20cm
Spread: 10–15cm
Flowering: January–March
Hardiness: H5 (−15 to −10°C)
Aspect: Partial shade to sun
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained