Snowdrop Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific'
ABOUT
Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific', commonly known as the Giant Snowdrop, is a charming perennial known for its distinctive early-spring blossoms. This variety is marked by its nodding white flowers, which grace the plant during a time when few other plants are in bloom. Each flower features a trio of outer petals that encase smaller, inner petals with green markings at their tips. The outer petals are generally elongated and oval-shaped, creating an elegant droop, while the inner petals are shorter and often have a notched or V-shaped green mark at the apex. The foliage of the Giant Snowdrop consists of slender, strap-like leaves that are a glaucous green color, giving them a slightly blue-greyish hue. These leaves typically emerge before the flowers, creating a simple yet attractive backdrop for the blooms. The overall form of the plant is clump-forming, with the leaves and flower stems arising directly from the base, giving it a tidy and compact appearance. The delicate look of the flowers combined with the fresh greenery makes this plant a sought after addition for early spring gardens, signaling the end of winter with its serene and hopeful presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Greater Snowdrop, Elwes's Snowdrop, Giant Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as snowdrop, and specifically the cultivar Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific', contains compounds that are toxic to humans. All parts of the snowdrop are poisonous if ingested. The toxicity is due to alkaloids such as galanthamine. If someone eats any part of a snowdrop, they may experience symptoms that can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious effects like cardiac arrhythmia or neurological symptoms such as dizziness and convulsions. It is important to seek medical attention if snowdrop poisoning is suspected.
To pets
Snowdrop, including the variety Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific', is toxic to pets. The entire plant, including bulbs, leaves, and flowers, contains poisonous alkaloids like galanthamine. If a pet ingests any part of the snowdrop, symptoms could arise such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it may result in tremors, seizures, or cardiac abnormalities. Pet owners should consider the snowdrop plant hazardous and should seek veterinary care promptly if their pet shows signs of snowdrop poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its delicate, bell-shaped white flowers and green markings.
- Early Bloomer: Known as one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring, signaling the end of cold weather.
- Pollinator Support: Provides an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators when few other food sources are available.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, requires minimal care and can naturalize, creating larger displays over the years.
- Cold Tolerance: Hardy in a range of climates and able to withstand cold winter temperatures.
- Ground Cover: Helps suppress weeds and protect soil when planted en masse.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for various garden settings, including borders, woodland gardens, and rock gardens.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Generally resistant to damage from deer and rodents, making it a good choice for rural gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific', or snowdrop, can be used in winter gardens to provide visual interest when most other plants are dormant or not in bloom.
- Snowdrops are often used in rock gardens due to their small size and early flowering, creating a delicate feature in the rocky landscape.
- They can be naturalized in lawns where their early flowering allows them to bloom and go dormant before the lawn needs to be mowed.
- The bulbs can be used in "forcing" practices to have them bloom indoors out of season for temporary decorative purposes.
- Snowdrops can serve as a food source for early spring pollinators, like bees, which are searching for nectar at a time when few other flowers are available.
- They can be used for winter-themed floral arrangements, often symbolizing hope and the coming of spring.
- In educational settings, snowdrops can be used to demonstrate plant life cycles and phenology to students, as they are among the first to emerge in the year.
- These flowers could be used as a motif in art, literature, and design, representing purity, renewal, and the transition between winter and spring.
- Snowdrops are sometimes planted over the graves of loved ones as a symbol of consolation and hope within some cultures.
- In photography and painting, they offer a striking subject against the often bleak winter landscape, suitable for exploring themes of contrast and perseverance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Snowdrop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Snowdrop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Snowdrops, including Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific', often symbolize purity due to their white color and the fact that they are one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter, suggesting the cleansing of the old year.
- Hope: They represent hope as they push through the snow, reminding people that spring is coming and that even in the coldest times, life persists and thrives.
- Consolation or Comfort: In some cultures, snowdrops signify consolation or comfort, which comes from their gentle appearance that can bring peace to a grieving or troubled mind.
- New beginnings: As one of the first flowers of the year, they symbolize new beginnings and the idea that every end is just a precursor to a new start, reflecting the cycle of life.
WaterThe Giant Snowdrop, commonly referred to as Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific', requires consistent moisture during its growing season, typically in late winter to early spring. It's best to water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Gentle watering at the base of the plant is recommended to avoid wetting the foliage. During active growth, water approximately every week with about 1 gallon per square foot, tapering off once the leaves begin to yellow and the plant goes dormant. During dormancy, watering can be reduced significantly to prevent bulb rot.
LightGalanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific', or Giant Snowdrop, thrives in partial to full shade, and can tolerate some morning sun. Planting them under deciduous trees allows them to receive sunlight during their bloom period before the tree canopy fills in. They perform best when shielded from the intense heat of the afternoon sun.
TemperatureThe Giant Snowdrop does well in a temperature range that typically aligns with its natural growing season in late winter to early spring. These plants can survive temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit but prefer a range between 28 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They are cold-hardy and require a period of cool dormancy.
PruningPruning the Giant Snowdrop is minimal and generally involves removing spent flowers and yellowing foliage after blooming has finished to maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning should be done annually, in late spring when the leaves start to decline, which signals the plant's entry into dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSnowdrops prefer humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically around 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand will ensure proper drainage and create an ideal environment for Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific'.
RepottingSnowdrops, like Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific', rarely need repotting if planted in-ground. However, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every 2 to 3 years after flowering, once the foliage has died back.
Humidity & MistingSnowdrops such as Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in their preferred climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in cool, bright area; ensure moist soil in winter.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in partial shade; moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific', commonly known as the Giant Snowdrop, begins its life cycle when the bulb is planted in the ground, typically in late summer or early fall. The bulb remains dormant until late winter or early spring, where it sprouts and produces narrow, lance-shaped leaves and a single flower stalk bearing a white, drooping bell-shaped flower with green markings. After flowering, the plant undergoes photosynthesis for a period of time to gather energy, which is then stored in the bulb for the next season. As the temperatures rise in late spring, the leaves yellow and wither as the plant enters dormancy during the summer months. The bulb reinvigorates and multiplies underground during its dormant period, ready to emerge again the following winter. Each year, the cycle repeats, with the mature bulb potentially creating offset bulbs that can be separated and planted to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating Galanthus elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific' or more commonly known as the Greater Snowdrop, is by dividing the bulbs. This typically should be done when the foliage begins to die back after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate them by hand, ensuring that each bulb retains a portion of the basal plate and roots. The separated bulbs can then be immediately replanted at the same depth they were growing at originally, which is typically about 3 inches (approximately 7.5 centimeters) deep, and spaced about 3 inches apart to allow for natural spreading. Water the newly planted bulbs lightly to help settle the soil around them. This method can efficiently multiply your stock of Greater Snowdrops and enhance your garden's display in the coming years.
