Snowdrops are not just snowdrops. There are early flowering and late flowering varieties, pure white, greenish and those with a yellow ensemble in the middle. Here is a brief overview of the most well-known species and interesting varieties.

20 species and more than 1,500 varieties worldwide

There are 20 snowdrop species worldwide. There are also around 1,500 varieties and the breeders are far from tired of their work. New snowdrop varieties are added every year. Most snowdrops are grown in England and Scotland.

Galanthus nivalis - Common Snowdrop

It is native to this country and grows to a height of around 10 cm. The flower has a green spot. The associated snowdrop varieties usually flower between January and March. This includes, for example, the coveted variety 'Green Ibis'.

Galanthus elwesii - Large-flowered snowdrop

This specimen is considered the most widespread species and is often cultivated in this country. Its characteristics:

  • up to 20 cm high
  • leaves up to 3 cm wide
  • outer petals white, inner petals with two green spots
  • Flowering time from February to March
  • tolerates sunny locations

Galanthus ikariae - Ikaria Snowdrop

The peculiarity of this snowdrop species are above all the flowers. The inner petals are U-shaped. In addition, the flowers are remarkably large compared to those of other species.

Galanthus woronowii - Voronow snowdrop

This species is native to the Caucasus. It is widely used as a cultivated plant in gardens. The leaves are up to 3 cm wide and the inner petals show a greenish marking.

Other lesser known species

Less well known among the snowdrops are the following species:

  • Clusius snowdrop
  • Caucasus snowdrop
  • Narrow-leaved snowdrop
  • Cilician snowdrops
  • Foster Snowdrop
  • Dainty snowdrop
  • Koenen snowdrop
  • Krasnov Snowdrop
  • Lagodekhi snowdrops
  • Broadleaf Snowdrop
  • Peshmen snowdrop
  • Queen Olga Snowdrop
  • Rizasee Snowdrop
  • Caspian Snowdrop

Recommended snowdrop varieties

The following types of snowdrops are particularly interesting for lovers:

  • 'Green Tear': green petals
  • 'Cordelia': full, large flowers
  • 'S Arnott': good smelling
  • 'Flore Pleno': double flowers
  • 'Atkinsii': tall, large flowers
  • 'Bertram Anderson': huge flowers
  • 'Wendy's Gold': yellow ovary, large markings
  • 'Straffan': up to two flowers per bulb
  • 'April Fool': late flowering
  • 'Blonde Inge': yellow ovary, yellow markings

tips and tricks

The robust and fast-growing snowdrop varieties 'Samuel Arnott' and 'Bill Bishop' are particularly suitable for beginners.

Category:

Herbs