Galanthus nivalis ‘Thumbelina’

A charming dwarf selection of Galanthus nivalis, selected by Decora Nursery, Croatia, and subsequently named ‘Thumbelina’ by Paul Barney. Small in stature but by no means lacking in character, it combines a compact habit with attractively marked flowers, the outer segments carrying conspicuous green markings towards their tips.

The flowers are surprisingly substantial for such a diminutive plant, standing neatly above the short, compact foliage. The green markings on the outer segments give the flowers a particularly attractive, slightly quirky appearance and distinguish this selection from the ordinary forms of G. nivalis.

The name ‘Thumbelina’ was chosen by Paul Barney in reference to its diminutive stature — a particularly apt name for such a tiny snowdrop. Selected by Decora Nursery from their cultivated material in Croatia, it represents the sort of individual variation within G. nivalis that makes collecting the species so rewarding. It is an excellent little snowdrop for the front of the border, troughs, alpine beds or anywhere its small scale can be appreciated at close quarters.

Nomenclature: Galanthus nivalis ‘Thumbelina’
Selection: Decora Nursery, Croatia
Named by: Paul Barney
Type: Dwarf selection of G. nivalis
Flowering: January–February
Height: 8–12cm
Spread: 8–12cm
Hardiness: H5
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and well drained
Aspect: Partial shade to full sun