IN THE GARDEN
texture of the leaves, the height and even vigour in the garden. Among the range available, there are a number of widely grown, reliable forms. Galanthus elwesii , a Balkan species, has broad, glaucous leaves that reach 30cm in height, broad outer tepals and a green arc on the inner tepals. In contrast, the cultivar ‘S. Arnott’ has shorter, narrower leaves, delicate outer tepals and a thin V-shaped mark at the tip of the inner tepals. If you fancy something a little rarer, ‘Trym’ is a charming choice. With tubular- looking flowers, the inner and outer tepals have a green apical mark and notch. The range of forms is almost endless and the sky is the limit regarding value – with an individual bulb of the rare ‘Golden Tears’ reaching £1,850 in 2022. Growing snowdrops at home Whether you prefer rare and expensive or more common types, all enjoy dappled shade in well-drained, humus-rich soils. Bulbs can be bought in autumn, but the best way to plant snowdrops is ‘in the green’ (when they are still in leaf). As such, they are easy to place in the garden beneath trees and shrubs, but also among herbaceous plantings. There isn’t an easier way to add winter interest to your garden!
Top of the drops Sally selects her favourites from Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s snowdrop trail
Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’ Loved for its double flower.
Galanthus elwesii Named after Henby J Elwes, a British botanist who identified the original plants in Turkey. The flowers have two green spots on the inner tepals. Galanthus ‘S. Arnott’ A great one for bulking up with a light honey scent. Named after the keen gardener and snowdrop fanatic Samuel Arnott. Galanthus ‘Magnet’ Flowers that nod in the wind, with a V-shaped green mark on their inner segments. Galanthus nivalis ‘Scharlockii’ Often called the ‘donkey’s ears snowdrop’ with its long green petal-like collar (spathe) split into two ‘ears’. Once you’ve dipped your toes into the world of snowdrops , you’ll be in danger of developing galanthophilia
ROLL OUT THE WHITE CARPET Snowdrops grow freely in the wilder areas of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, like the Cory Lawn (pictured)
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