1 / 4Key characteristics
- 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
Bulbs
Galanthus elwesii
Giant Snowdrop
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.
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.
More bulbs
Narcissus 'Geranium'
Geranium Daffodil
Blooms creamy white to pure white petals with deep orange-red to tangerine-orange cups
Full sun to partial shade
Allium 'Purple Rain'
Purple Rain Ornamental Onion
Blooms large, spherical purple flower heads
Full sun
Allium × hollandicum 'Gladiator'
Gladiator Ornamental Onion
Blooms dark lavender to soft purple, forming large, spherical flower heads
Full sun
Narcissus 'Frosty Snow'
Frosty Snow Daffodil
Blooms pure white petals with a lemon-yellow cup that gradually fades to white
Full sun to partial shade