Galanthus nivalis ‘Uptown Girl’

A particularly attractive virescent selection of Galanthus nivalis, ‘Uptown Girl’ was selected from the stock at Decora Nursery, Croatia in 2013 and subsequently named by Paul Barney. Chosen for its distinctive green colouring as well as its good garden performance, it is a fine example of the considerable variation that can occur within G. nivalis.

The flowers have the clean white ground colour typical of the species, but are enhanced by pronounced green pigmentation extending beyond the normal simple inner-segment marking, giving the flowers their characteristic virescent appearance. The degree of green can vary somewhat with growing conditions and season, as is common with virescent snowdrops, but when well coloured the effect is particularly striking.

‘Uptown Girl’ retains the natural charm and adaptability of G. nivalis, while offering the collector something rather more unusual. It flowers at the traditional point in the snowdrop season and gradually forms a good clump, making it equally suitable for a specialist collection or naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. A rather glamorous name for a snowdrop that is, at heart, perfectly happy getting its feet muddy.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or dappled woodland conditions. Good light can help develop strong green pigmentation, while adequate moisture during active growth encourages vigorous flowering. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.

Flowering: January–February

Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK; approximately H5

Height: 12–15 cm

Spread: 10–15 cm

Nomenclature: Galanthus nivalis ‘Uptown Girl’

Selection: Decora Nursery, 2013

Named by: Paul Barney