Plant of the Month: Galanthus (February 2025)

If you wish to see the snowdrops now, I can highly recommend the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. The gardens are easy to reach via the District Line to Kew Station. The woodland garden (near the Princess Diana Conservatory) has meandering paths beneath the trees, where an array of snowdrops, aconites, hellebores and mauve-coloured crocuses (the shade of colour I’ve only ever seen at Kew) are displayed to a wonderful effect.  Visiting on a beautiful sunny day makes the gardens appear even more delightful.

The magnificent sandstone rock garden nearby, which mimics mountainous regions, is an important feature of the gardens, and here and there, in mostly sunny locations, could be found very choice, small clumps of snowdrops which are labelled for the visitor. I would love to have any of these growing in my garden and I thought you might too.

Galanthus ‘John Gray’: This early-flowering snowdrop is regarded as very choice indeed, which was seemingly found in the Suffolk garden of the late John Gray.  I was captivated by the shades of lime-green on the inner segments.

Galanthus ‘Benton Magnet’: A charming snowdrop found at Benton End (now saved for the nation), the home of the late Cedric Morris, the plantsman and artist. The recipient of the gifted snowdrop named it after Benton End.

Galanthus elwesii ‘Mrs Mcnamara’: Another absolutely beautiful early flowering snowdrop which can often be seen flowering at Xmas. Reputed to have a lovely scent. I was very taken by its colouring.

Galanthus elwesii ‘Cinderdine’: This is a shorter plant which has textured long outer petals. Rather lovely.

Galanthus woronowii (Giant or Broad Leaf Snowdrop): Distinctive for its broad, green leaves. Easy to grow with a honey perfume. Happy to grow in clay.

Galanthus ‘Grumpy’: This snowdrop is very popular for its “grumpy” face. Has two green spots above the inverted V, which gives the impression of looking grumpy. It made me smile.

Anna L