Galanthus ‘Wasp’

A wonderfully distinctive snowdrop with a name that makes perfect sense once you have seen it in flower. ‘Wasp’ was found by Veronica Cross in 1995 in the former Backhouse Garden at Sutton Court, Herefordshire, and has subsequently become a much sought-after garden snowdrop.

The flowers are particularly characterful, with very long, narrow outer segments giving the blooms a slender, almost hovering appearance. The shorter inner segments carry a conspicuous, rather blurred green X-mark, adding to the insect-like impression. Held on slender stems above neat blue-green foliage, the flowers have a delicacy that is quite at odds with their slightly menacing name.

A splendid choice for the collector who likes their snowdrops a little different — and considerably more interesting than another round of anonymous white bells.

Origin: Found by Veronica Cross, Sutton Court, Herefordshire, 1995.
Nomenclature: Galanthus ‘Wasp’; garden cultivar of hybrid origin.

• Hardiness: H5 — -15 to -10°C
• Height: 15–20 cm
• Spread: 10–15 cm
• Flowers: January–March