Galanthus woronowii ‘Of’

A particularly impressive seed-raised form of Galanthus woronowii, grown from seed collected from ‘Of’ in Türkiye , and selected for its exceptionally large, strapping foliage and generously proportioned flowers. This is G. woronowii at its boldest: the leaves are broad, substantial and brilliantly glossy green, producing a striking presence even when the flowers have long since disappeared.

The species itself is native from north-eastern Türkiye through the western and central Caucasus, where it grows in woodland margins, scrub, rocky places, river banks and other often quite open habitats.  Its broad, shiny green leaves are its most obvious distinguishing feature, contrasting strongly with the narrower, often glaucous foliage of G. nivalis. The leaves also have the characteristic supervolute vernation, with one emerging leaf tightly clasping the other at the base. 

This particular seed-raised clone is notable for its large scale throughout. The leaves are long, broad and strap-like, while the flowers are correspondingly large and substantial, making a much bolder display than the rather delicate image sometimes associated with the species. The flowers are pure white outside, with the inner segments carrying the characteristic green marking towards the apex, usually forming the distinctive notched or ‘cloven-hoof’ pattern of G. woronowii. 

Growing snowdrops from seed inevitably introduces variation, and this plant should therefore be regarded as a selected seedling from Turkish provenance, rather than assuming that every seedling from the same source will reproduce its exceptional proportions. That is precisely what makes good seed-raised material so interesting: occasionally the seedlings produce something that is considerably better than the average species form.

Flowering from January into March, depending on the season, the flowers are held above the substantial foliage on green scapes. In its native range G. woronowii occurs from low elevations to around 1,400 m, demonstrating considerable ecological adaptability. 

A superb choice for anyone who appreciates the species snowdrops in their unadulterated form, but wants one with a little more muscle. If ordinary G. woronowii is the green-leaved equivalent of a lightweight road bike, this one has turned up wearing panniers.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade, preferably beneath deciduous trees or shrubs. Avoid prolonged summer drought and allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. A particularly effective species for naturalising, where the glossy foliage remains attractive well beyond the flowering period. 

Height: 15–20 cm
Spread: 10–15 cm
Flowering: January–March
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK; RHS H5