Snowdrop Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen' (d)
ABOUT
Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen', commonly known as the snowdrop, is a distinctive plant celebrated for its elegant flowers. This variant is especially valued for its symmetrical, perfectly formed blooms. Each flower comprises six pure white petals arranged in two layers. The three outer petals are significantly larger and more prominent, encapsulating a trio of inner petals that are shorter and often display unique green markings. These inner petals showcase a delicate, almost sculptural beauty that captures the eye. The snowdrop's foliage is narrow and strap-shaped, presenting a soft gray-green color that complements the pristine whiteness of the flowers. The leaves gently arch outwards from the base, providing a subtle backdrop to the distinctive blooms that tend to nod or droop slightly, as if bowing gracefully. Taken together, the snowdrop 'Godfrey Owen' is a true harbinger of spring, with its pure white coloration and refined form offering a gentle yet striking visual appeal in a garden landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Godfrey Owen Snowdrop, Elwes's Snowdrop, Greater Snowdrop.
Common names
Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen'
ToxicityTo humans
Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen', commonly known as the Giant Snowdrop, contains alkaloids and other compounds that can be toxic if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning from eating parts of the Giant Snowdrop plant may include gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion may result in tremors, cardiac arrhythmia, and confusion. Medical attention should be sought if any part of this plant is consumed.
To pets
Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen', known as the Giant Snowdrop, is also toxic to pets. Ingesting this plant can lead to similar symptoms as seen in humans, which include vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation in pets. More severe effects might be abdominal pain, tremors, or seizures. If a pet ingests part of a Giant Snowdrop plant, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-8 inches (10-20 cm)
Spread
3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3 to 8
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen', commonly known as the snowdrop, enhances gardens with its delicate, nodding white flowers that are one of the first signs of spring.
- Pollinator Attraction: The snowdrop provides an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators emerging in late winter to early spring.
- Low Maintenance: Snowdrops are generally easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established in the right conditions.
- Naturalizing: Galanthus elwesii has the ability to naturalize, meaning it can spread and form colonies, thereby providing a more extensive display over time.
- Ground Cover: These plants can help cover the ground around larger plants, adding greenery and suppressing weed growth due to their clumping habit.
- Cold Hardiness: Snowdrops are well-suited for cold climates, capable of withstanding winter temperatures and blooming through snow.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are relatively drought tolerant, although they prefer moist conditions.
- Wildlife Support: They provide a habitat and food source for insects, which in turn benefits birds and other wildlife in the ecosystem.
- Bulb Protection: Galanthus elwesii produces a substance that can deter rodents and other animals from eating the bulbs.
- Historical Interest: Snowdrops have a rich history and are often associated with folklore and tradition, adding intangible cultural value to 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 'Godfrey Owen', commonly known as the Giant Snowdrop, can be pressed and used in botanical art pieces due to their delicate and aesthetically pleasing structure.
- In flower arrangements, the Giant Snowdrop offers a touch of early spring and is symbolic of hope and purity, often used in wedding bouquets for this reason.
- As a natural dye, Giant Snowdrop may be utilized for its green pigment, though it is not commonly practiced.
- They are used in educational settings, such as nature studies and botanical classes, to teach about plant life cycles and bulb growth.
- Garden enthusiasts sometimes use Giant Snowdrop in photography contests for their striking appearance against the barren winter landscapes.
- In literature and poetry, Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen' is often referenced to evoke imagery of the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
- The Giant Snowdrop can serve as a natural marker of seasonal change, with gardeners using their blooming to gauge the onset of spring gardening tasks.
- These plants can be a component in perfumery for creating scents that capture the essence of spring, though it is not a typical use due to the subtlety of the flower's aroma.
- In textile design, the Giant Snowdrop's shape and form serve as inspiration for patterns, particularly within spring-themed fabrics and prints.
- The Giant Snowdrop's bulbs can be used in botanical research focusing on cold resistance and plant adaptation in varying climates.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Snowdrop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Snowdrop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrops, generally symbolize hope because they are among the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, heralding the arrival of spring.
- Purity: The snow-white color of the snowdrop's petals is often associated with purity and innocence.
- Consolation or Comfort: Snowdrops can also represent consolation or comfort, possibly because they appear when the weather is still cold, offering a sign of encouragement.
- New beginnings: As spring flowers, snowdrops embody new beginnings and the idea of starting afresh, since they signal the awakening of nature after winter.
WaterThe most common name for Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen' is Snowdrop 'Godfrey Owen'. These plants typically prefer to be watered moderately. During the active growth period in late winter and early spring, you should water them generously, ensuring the soil is moist. After the foliage has died back in late spring, reduce watering as they enter dormancy. A good routine would be to apply about half a gallon of water per plant, once a week during their growth period, ensuring the water penetrates the soil deeply.
LightSnowdrop 'Godfrey Owen' thrives best in partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for planting would be under deciduous trees where they can receive filtered sunlight and full sun in the winter and early spring before the trees leaf out. Avoiding deep shade is essential, as too little light will hinder flowering.
TemperatureSnowdrop 'Godfrey Owen' is hardy and can withstand cold winter temperatures, usually surviving in conditions as low as -10°F. However, the ideal temperature range for these snowdrops is between 35°F and 55°F. They prefer the cooler temperatures of late winter and early spring and are well-suited for regions with cold to moderate winters without prolonged periods of extreme heat.
PruningPruning is not necessary for Snowdrop 'Godfrey Owen'. They naturally die back after flowering and the foliage should not be cut back until it has turned yellow, indicating that the plant has gone dormant. Removing the foliage too early can prevent the bulbs from storing energy for the next season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Giant Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen') thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A good mix could contain equal parts of loamy garden soil, compost, and gritty material like perlite or coarse sand for drainage.
RepottingGiant Snowdrop bulbs should be repotted every 3 to 5 years, during their dormant period in late spring or early summer after the leaves have died back.
Humidity & MistingGiant Snowdrops prefer average to high humidity levels but will generally tolerate the lower humidity found in most home environments without requiring special attention.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in cool room with indirect light; avoid heat sources.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; shelter from strong winds and hot sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen', also known as "Godfrey Owen" snowdrop, begins its life cycle when the bulbs are planted in the ground, usually in the fall before the first frost. In early spring, the bulbs break dormancy and send up shoots, which quickly develop into distinctive nodding white flowers, each with six petal-like tepals, that are unique to 'Godfrey Owen' for their six fully-formed inner segments. Following pollination, which is often carried out by early-emerging insects attracted to the flower's nectar, the plant sets seed. Once the seeds mature, they are typically dispersed by ants, a process known as myrmecochory, which aids in the propagation of the plant. After flowering and seed dispersal, the foliage continues to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb before the leaves die back and the plant enters a dormant phase during the summer months. The bulb remains underground where it remains dormant until the next spring, when the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method for propagating the common snowdrop, specifically the Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen', is through the division of its bulb clusters. This should ideally be done when the leaves start to yellow and die back, typically after flowering which is in the spring. You would carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them by hand. Aim to replant the individual bulbs as soon as possible to reduce stress on the plant. Each bulb should be planted at a depth roughly three times the height of the bulb, which is normally about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) deep, ensuring the pointy end is facing upwards. Replant the bulbs at a spacing of about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil with partial to full shade exposure to mimic their natural woodland habitat.
