Galanthus elwesii ‘Sickle’

A distinctive and rather statuesque selection of Galanthus elwesii, ‘Sickle’ is believed to have originated in the garden of the late Philip Ballard of Malvern, Worcestershire. It takes its name from the remarkable, strongly curved spathe which arches over the flower like a sickle. The combination of this unusual spathe and the broad, grey-green foliage makes it immediately recognisable and gives it a presence quite unlike many of the more conventional forms of G. elwesii. 

The foliage is particularly handsome, being broad, grey-green and attractively arching, with three leaves produced quite commonly. The outer segments are unusually long and oval, with a distinct claw at the base and pointed tips. Inside, the segments carry a large, dark green marking which extends upwards from the sinus, adding further character to an already distinctive flower. 

Although not noted for being especially quick to increase, ‘Sickle’ is an excellent snowdrop for the collector and a cultivar whose identity is readily apparent in the garden. Its combination of sculptural foliage, elongated outer segments and wonderfully exaggerated spathe makes it one of the more memorable forms of G. elwesii. The name is a particularly apt piece of snowdrop nomenclature — once seen in flower, the resemblance is hard to miss.

Nomenclature: Galanthus elwesii ‘Sickle’
Origin: Believed to have originated in the garden of Philip Ballard, Malvern, Worcestershire
Flowering: January–February
Height: 18–20cm
Spread: 10–15cm
Hardiness: H5
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and well drained
Aspect: Partial shade to full sun