Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop)
You may not know this, but if you are a collector of Snowdrops you are known as a Galanthophile. In the late 19th Century it became the fashion to collect plants or certain types. This term was likely to be invented by the plantsman E. A. Bowles who loved collecting bulbs, especially Snowdrops. According to Tennyson they were ‘February fair maids’ in a short poem he wrote.
I love these tiny flowers as they arrive from February to remind us spring is on its way. They appear in the coldest of months, through snow or rain, and brighten any dull day. They are so delicate and there are so many different varieties, but only a few are sold in garden centres. Have a look in our centre to see what treasures you can find.
Snowdrop flowers are only ever found in white, but the stem, spathe and ovary can be bright green, lime green or even yellow.
They are best grown in a woodland situation where they shine the brightest, their bulbs like to be kept damp throughout the year to avoid drying out. Mulch once flowered with a rich compost or leaf mould. Prefers partial shade but can cope with full sun too.
Look out in the National Garden Scheme’s yellow book for the best places to visit Snowdrops at their best in and around Leicestershire; Hedgehog Hall (Tilton), Bosworth House (nr. Market Harborough) and Westview (Great Glen). Coton Manor Gardens in Northamptonshire is also well known for its Snowdrop collection.
If you’d like to know more about the Yellow Book, or indeed order a UK-wide one, then please click HERE or the image to the right. We have the Leicestershire & Rutland book available FREE OF CHARGE, so please ask us for a copy next time you visit.
Pip Blackburn
Assistant Plant Centre Manager
Look out in the National Garden Scheme’s yellow book for the best places to visit Snowdrops at their best in and around Leicestershire; Hedgehog Hall (Tilton), Bosworth House (nr. Market Harborough) and Westview (Great Glen). Coton Manor Gardens in Northamptonshire is also well known for its Snowdrop collection.
If you’d like to know more about the Yellow Book, or indeed order a UK-wide one, then please click HERE or the image to the right. We have the Leicestershire & Rutland book available FREE OF CHARGE, so please ask us for a copy next time you visit.
Pip Blackburn
Assistant Plant Centre Manager
