Galanthus elwesii ‘York Minster’

A dainty but exceptionally early Galanthus elwesii seedling from Jörg Lebsa in Germany — and one that has the rather useful habit of getting the snowdrop season properly under way before Christmas. In England it can flower from mid-December, making it a particularly welcome sight when most of the garden is still asleep.

The flowers are beautifully virescent, with the outer segments heavily washed and finely streaked with pale green, contrasting with the darker green markings of the inner segments. A neat, elegant grower with narrow grey-green foliage, and an excellent choice for anyone who likes their snowdrops early and their Christmas cheer botanical.

Named for York Minster, Yorkshire.

Nomenclature: Galanthus elwesii ‘York Minster’
Origin: Seedling of Jörg Lebsa, Germany
Hardiness: H5
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 10–15 cm
Flowers: December–January