Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. reginae-olgae ‘Maria’

A particularly elegant autumn-flowering selection of Galanthus reginae-olgae, ‘Maria’ was selected from seed collected in Greece and named by the distinguished plantsman Melvyn Jope. It represents the considerable variation found within the wild populations of Queen Olga’s snowdrop, and is a particularly worthwhile form for extending the snowdrop season well into autumn.

The flowers are clean white, with a delicate light-green marking on the inner segments, giving them a refined appearance rather than the heavier markings found in some forms. They are held neatly above the foliage, making a surprisingly strong impression for a snowdrop flowering at a time when most other members of the genus are still completely dormant.

As with the species generally, the foliage is narrow and grey-green, developing around the time of flowering and marked by a conspicuous silvery central stripe. The combination of autumn flowering, elegant flowers and striped foliage makes ‘Maria’ instantly distinguishable from the familiar winter-flowering Galanthus.

The name commemorates Maria, chosen by Melvyn Jope when he selected this seed-raised form. Its Greek provenance is particularly significant: rather than being a garden hybrid, ‘Maria’ represents a selection made from material ultimately derived from wild-collected seed.

An excellent snowdrop for the collector, and one of the most useful G. reginae-olgae forms for bringing the first flowers of the season into the garden.

Nomenclature: Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. reginae-olgae ‘Maria’
Provenance: Selected from seed collected in Greece
Named by: Melvyn Jope
Type: Seed-raised selection
Flowering: October–November
Height: 12–18cm
Spread: 8–12cm
Hardiness: H5
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and well drained
Aspect: Partial shade to full sun