Snowdrop Galanthus elwesii 'Edith'
ABOUT
Galanthus elwesii 'Edith', commonly known as snowdrop 'Edith,' boasts a delicate and charming appearance with a classic charm that appeals to many garden enthusiasts. This particular variety is distinguished by its nodding, bell-shaped white flowers that dangle gracefully at the end of slender green stalks. The flowers typically have three outer petals that are larger and more showy, and three inner petals that are shorter with unique green markings that add to their ornamental value. Snowdrop 'Edith's' foliage is also an attractive feature, consisting of slender, green leaves that often have a glaucous or silver-blue hue. The leaves emerge either alongside or shortly before the flowers, serving as an elegant backdrop for the blooms. The plants have a clumping habit, with the leaves forming upright tufts that provide a verdant setting for the white blossoms. The beauty of snowdrop 'Edith' lies in the simplicity and pristine quality of its flowers, which are often one of the first promises of spring as they can emerge even when the ground is still cold and there may still be snow on the ground. The contrast between the fresh white flowers and the dullness of late winter or early spring landscapes makes them invaluable for adding cheer to a dormant garden. Overall, snowdrop 'Edith' is a captivating plant that embodies the quiet yet profound transformation from winter to spring with its pure white blooms and graceful foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Common names
Galanthus elwesii 'Edith'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii 'Edith') contains alkaloid compounds that can be toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous, with the potential to cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, neurological problems like confusion and dizziness. It is crucial to avoid consuming any part of the snowdrop plant, as ingestion could lead to these adverse health effects.
To pets
The snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii 'Edith') is also toxic to pets if ingested. All parts of the plant contain harmful alkaloids that can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort in animals like dogs and cats. Severe poisoning may lead to more serious symptoms such as abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, or neurological issues. It is important to prevent pets from consuming any part of the snowdrop plant to avoid these possible consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Bloomer: Galanthus elwesii 'Edith', commonly known as Elwes' snowdrop, flowers early in the year, often blooming when snow is still on the ground, which can brighten up winter landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Snowdrops provide an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators that are active during the cooler months.
- Low Maintenance: Snowdrops are known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in a suitable location.
- Naturalizing: This plant has the ability to spread and naturalize over time, forming a carpet of plants that can be ideal for woodland gardens or natural areas.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, snowdrops can be quite tolerant of dry conditions, making them suitable for gardens with less water available.
- Cold Hardy: Being very cold tolerant, these plants are capable of surviving and thriving in harsh, cold winter climates.
- Resists Pests: Snowdrops are generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Adds Seasonal Interest: Their presence adds variety to the garden, providing seasonal interest during times when not much else is flowering.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: They tend to be resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, which can protect other more vulnerable plants in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Snowdrops like Galanthus elwesii 'Edith' are sometimes used in art and photography for their aesthetic appeal, adding a touch of early spring beauty to various creative projects.
- These plants can be utilized in educational settings, such as botany classes, to illustrate bulb development and flowering plant lifecycle due to their early bloom times.
- Snowdrops are often involved in environmental studies and conservation work as they can indicate the health of a woodland ecosystem.
- In landscape design, Galanthus elwesii 'Edith' is used to create 'winter interest' in gardens, providing blooms when most other plants are dormant.
- These plants can be a source of inspiration for writers and poets, symbolizing hope and the return of life in springtime literature.
- Cultivation of snowdrops can be a hobby, particularly for enthusiasts known as 'galanthophiles', who collect different varieties and hybrids.
- Snowdrops play a role in cultural festivals or traditions, such as celebrating the end of winter or the beginning of spring, in some cultures.
- The bulbs of Galanthus elwesii ‘Edith’ are sometimes used in a technique called 'twin-scaling' to propagate and increase snowdrop populations without sowing seeds.
- Their distinctive early flowering can be used by scientists and naturalists for phenological studies to track the effects of climate change on plant flowering times.
- As part of garden tourism, snowdrops can attract visitors to gardens and parks where they create spectacular displays when planted en masse.
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 'Edith', often symbolize purity because of their white color, which is traditionally associated with cleanliness, innocence, and unblemished beauty.
- Hope: As one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, snowdrops symbolize hope and the arrival of spring, representing the promise of new life and renewal.
- Consolation or Comfort: Snowdrops can also represent consolation or comfort, especially during times of loss, due to their role as a harbinger of spring and better days to come after the dark, cold winter.
- Resilience: These plants demonstrate resilience by being able to push through the frozen soil and snow; therefore, they represent the ability to persevere and overcome challenges.
WaterThe Giant Snowdrop requires moderate watering during its active growth in the fall, winter, and spring. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but do not let it become completely dry. Typically, you should water this plant every one to two weeks, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water per month, depending on the weather and soil moisture levels.
LightThe Giant Snowdrop prefers partial shade to full sun conditions. It thrives best when planted under deciduous trees where it can receive dappled sunlight or in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid placing it in locations with intense, direct afternoon sunlight to prevent scorching the leaves.
TemperatureThe Giant Snowdrop is hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures, thriving in conditions that range between 35 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, maintain the environment within this temperature range.
PruningPruning is not generally required for the Giant Snowdrop as the plant is small and maintains its shape naturally. After blooming, allow the foliage to die back on its own to ensure the bulbs store enough energy for the next season. Remove the faded flowers if desired and trim any yellowing leaves only after they have fully withered to keep the garden tidy.
CleaningNot needed
SoilGiant Snowdrop 'Edith' thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporate compost or leaf mold into the soil to create the optimal environment for this bulbous plant.
RepottingGiant Snowdrop 'Edith' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. When clumps become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years, they should be divided and repotted after flowering.
Humidity & MistingThe best humidity conditions for the Giant Snowdrop 'Edith' are those that mimic its natural woodland habitat—moderate humidity without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in cool, bright area, with well-drained soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Galanthus elwesii 'Edith', commonly known as Elwes's snowdrop or Giant snowdrop, begins with the underground storage organ, a bulb, which breaks dormancy in late winter or early spring. The bulb sends up strap-like leaves and a single flower stalk, which bears a characteristic white pendant flower with green markings. After flowering, the plant continues to photosynthesize to replenish the bulb for the next season. As temperatures rise in late spring, the leaves yellow and die back as the plant enters dormancy during the summer. The bulb remains dormant beneath the soil until the next late winter, when the cycle starts anew. If the conditions are favorable, the bulb might multiply by producing offsets, which grow into genetically identical plants, thus slowly forming a clump.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Galanthus elwesii 'Edith', commonly known as the Giant Snowdrop, is typically propagated by dividing its bulbs. The best time for this procedure is when the plant is dormant, generally after the leaves have died back in late spring or early summer. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate them, making sure each new section has a portion of the basal plate (bottom of the bulb where roots grow) attached. Replant the separated bulbs at the same depth they were growing before, which is usually about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters), ensuring proper spacing to accommodate future growth. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help establish them. This method of propagation allows the bulbs to continue growing and multiplying, eventually leading to a charming display of snowy blooms in the following winter or early spring season.
