Galanthus plicatus ‘Late Form’

A useful late-flowering form of the Crimean snowdrop, Galanthus plicatus ‘Late Form’ is a handsome selection with the broad, strongly plicate grey-green foliage and substantial flowers characteristic of the species. The rounded white outer segments surround neatly green-marked inner segments, while its robust habit and unusually late flowering give it particular value for extending the snowdrop season. Rather than relying on an elaborate marking, its appeal lies in the combination of good foliage, substantial flowers and genuinely late flowering.

Origin: A selected late-flowering form of Galanthus plicatus, with the original stock obtained from Dr Paul Christian of Rare Plants. The precise locality, finder and date of the original selection are not recorded, but the plant has been maintained in cultivation as ‘Late Form’.

A strong garden plant: ‘Late Form’ is particularly valuable for extending the flowering season of G. plicatus, continuing after many of the more conventional forms have finished. Its substantial flowers and broad plicate foliage give it good garden presence, while established clumps can provide a valuable late-season display. An excellent choice for collectors wanting to maintain a succession of flowering forms rather than concentrating the entire display into February.

In the garden: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or an open position with good winter and early-spring light. Keep the soil moist during active growth but avoid waterlogging during summer dormancy. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering and avoid unnecessary disturbance once established. Particularly effective beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, where the broad foliage and late flowers can provide a final flourish to the snowdrop season.

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