Galanthus ‘Richard Ayres’

A magnificent, vigorous double discovered in 1987 at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire, by Richard Nutt, amongst the historic snowdrops of the estate. It was subsequently named by the National Trust for Richard Ayres, then Head Gardener at Anglesey Abbey.

A tall, substantial plant, producing relatively large, fully double flowers with a variable number of outer segments and tightly packed inner segments. The green markings are equally variable, typically forming a conspicuous green V or cross-like pattern towards the apex, with additional green marks near the base. Vigorous and quick to make a substantial clump, it is one of the great Anglesey Abbey snowdrops — rather more imposing than its rather formal name might suggest.

• Flowering: January–March
• Height: 25–30 cm
• Spread: 15–30 cm
• Hardiness: H5 (-15 to -10°C)
• Origin: Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire; discovered 1987
• Named for: Richard Ayres, former Head Gardener, Anglesey Abbey
• Form: Double