Galanthus x valentinei 'Bethany'

A handsome and vigorous seedling of Galanthus × valentinei, ‘Bethany’ was selected at Edulis Nursery and named in 2021 for Paul Barney’s daughter, Bethany. As with many seedlings of this hybrid background, it combines characteristics inherited from its Galanthus nivalis and Galanthus plicatus ancestry, producing a robust plant with good garden presence and the vigour for which × valentinei forms are valued.

The flowers are well proportioned and neatly presented above fresh green foliage, with the inner segments carrying attractive green markings. The hybrid character gives the plant a little more substance than a typical G. nivalis, while retaining the charm and informality that make good × valentinei seedlings so appealing. As the plant matures, the flowers should become increasingly impressive as the bulbs build into a substantial clump.

Selected for its combination of vigour, flower quality and overall garden performance, ‘Bethany’ represents the sort of chance seedling that makes growing snowdrops so addictive: plant a few seedlings, wait patiently, and occasionally something comes along that simply deserves a name. In this case, the name has an especially personal connection, commemorating Bethany in 2021.

A very good garden snowdrop with a straightforward Edulis provenance and a rather more sentimental nomenclatural story — proof that even a bulb can become a family affair.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or dappled woodland conditions. Avoid prolonged summer drought and waterlogging. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Particularly good for naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs.

Flowering: January–February

Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK; approximately H5

Height: 12–15 cm

Spread: 10–15 cm

Nomenclature: Galanthus × valentinei ‘Bethany’

Selection: Edulis Nursery

Named: 2021, for Bethany Barney