Northwest Blooms · Bulbs
Galanthus elwesii
Giant Snowdrop
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Height
- 8 to 10 inches
- Width
- 3 to 5 inches
- Flower color
- White with green markings
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Bloom time
- February to March
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flowers and allow foliage to die back naturally
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees
About this plant
Galanthus elwesii is a perennial native to the Balkans and Asia Minor, including countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Bulgaria. Identified by British botanist Henry John Elwes during a visit to Turkey in 1874, this species was named in his honor. Each white flower features six tepals, with the inner segments displaying distinctive green markings. The flowers are borne on slender, leafless stems, creating a delicate and graceful appearance.
G. elwesii has broad, blue-green leaves, which are wider than those of the common snowdrop. It is also recognized for its relatively large flowers, measuring up to 2 inches in width. Blooming in early spring, it is a welcome sign of warmer days ahead. The combination of sizable blossoms, and attractive foliage makes G. elwesii a cherished addition to gardens, providing a welcome splash of color as winter recedes.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Under Trees · Rock Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies
Design tip
Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Drift them in uneven groups for a natural look, and interplant with perennials that fill the gap after the leaves die back.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
