Galanthus plicatus 'Green Lantern'

A superb and distinctive Irish snowdrop from Altamont Gardens, County Carlow, ‘Green Lantern’ is one of the more memorable green-marked forms associated with the garden. Its strongly plicate, grey-green foliage and rounded flowers give it an unmistakable Galanthus plicatus character, while the flowers are enhanced by pronounced green markings on both the inner and outer segments.

The inner segments carry a broad, inverted green V beneath a diffuse green mark, while the outer segments are neatly tipped green. The combination of rounded flowers, substantial plicate foliage and unusually strong green markings makes it particularly effective when grown in a good clump.

Its precise parentage is less certain than its appearance might suggest. Although widely circulated as Galanthus plicatus ‘Green Lantern’, Paul Cutler, formerly Head Gardener at Altamont, considered that it could have hybrid origins, its characteristics nevertheless being predominantly plicatus. This uncertainty is worth retaining in the nomenclature rather than assigning it too confidently to a particular species.

A vigorous and handsome cultivar, ‘Green Lantern’ is also valued for its relatively late flowering, helping to extend the snowdrop season. Its combination of strong foliage and well-marked flowers makes it an excellent choice for the collector, particularly where its unusual character can be appreciated at close quarters.

Nomenclature: Galanthus ‘Green Lantern’
Commonly listed as: Galanthus plicatus ‘Green Lantern’
Provenance: Altamont Gardens, County Carlow, Ireland
Type: G. plicatus-type selection, possibly of hybrid origin
Flowering: February–March
Height: c. 18cm
Spread: 10–15cm
Hardiness: H5
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and well drained
Aspect: Partial shade to full sun