Snowdrop Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara'
ABOUT
The Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara', commonly known as Mrs. Macnamara snowdrop, is a charming and delicate flowering plant that is often seen as a harbinger of spring. Its appearance is marked by beautiful drooping white flowers, resembling white bells or teardrops, with distinct inner petals that commonly display a green marking. These flowers are borne on slender, arching stalks. The foliage of Mrs. Macnamara snowdrop is also noteworthy. It possesses a pair of bluish-green, linear leaves that emerge from the base of the plant. The leaves are glossy and robust, creating a nice contrast with the pure white of the blossoms. As for its blooming period, this snowdrop variety is known for flowering early in the season, adding beauty to the garden when few other plants are in bloom. Overall, the distinctiveness of the Mrs. Macnamara snowdrop lies in its graceful blooms that add elegance and a touch of brightness in the late winter to early spring landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Giant Snowdrop, Greater Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs. Macnamara'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the snowdrop is considered mildly toxic to humans. If ingested, it contains compounds that can cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Handling the plant may also occasionally cause skin irritation due to its chemical contents. While it is generally not considered severely poisonous to humans, ingestion of any part of the snowdrop should nevertheless be avoided to prevent any unpleasant reactions.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, the snowdrop is also mildly toxic to pets. If a pet, such as a dog or cat, ingests part of this plant, they can experience symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Ingestion may lead to a mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it is prudent to prevent your pets from having access to or consuming any part of the snowdrop.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
Spread
3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Early blooming: Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara', commonly known as snowdrop, often flowers in late winter, providing early seasonal interest in the garden.
- Attracts pollinators: Early emerging bees and other pollinators are attracted to its nectar and pollen during a time of year when few other food sources are available.
- Ease of care: Snowdrops are low-maintenance plants that typically require minimal care once established in the right conditions.
- Naturalizing: They can spread and naturalize over time, creating drifts of white flowers that can enhance the aesthetics of a garden.
- Cold hardiness: As a plant adapted to cold winter temperatures, snowdrops are hardy and can survive in cold climates without much protection.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, snowdrops are relatively drought tolerant, making them suitable for gardens with low water availability.
- Pest resistance: Snowdrops are generally resistant to pests, meaning they require fewer interventions to remain healthy.
- Deer and rodent resistance: These plants are typically not favored by deer and rodents, which helps prevent damage to the garden.
- Ornamental appeal: The distinct white flowers with their delicate appearance add ornamental value to any garden space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: 'Mrs Macnamara', a variety of Snowdrop, offers delicate visual appeal, making it a popular subject for macro and nature photographers, especially in late winter and early spring.
- Educational tool: Botany and horticulture educators use the Snowdrop to demonstrate bulb growth cycles, winter blooming habits, and plant survival strategies in cold climates.
- Marker of seasonal change: Snowdrops like 'Mrs Macnamara' are often the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, signaling the approach of spring and serving as a phenological indicator for gardeners and naturalists.
- Floral arrangement accent: Due to its petite size and early bloom time, 'Mrs Macnamara' can be used to add a unique touch to early spring floral arrangements, contrasting well with other seasonal blooms.
- Winter garden design: As one of the few plants that flower in winter, 'Mrs Macnamara' is valued by garden designers looking to create year-round interest in temperate garden landscapes.
- Symbolic use: Snowdrops, including 'Mrs Macnamara', can represent hope and purity, and are sometimes used in events or ceremonies that wish to convey these sentiments, such as weddings or memorial services.
- Literary inspiration: The early blooming of Snowdrops has inspired poets and writers who often use them as a metaphor for resilience and the arrival of better times after dark and cold winter months.
- Cultural festivals: In some cultures, the flowering of Snowdrops, including 'Mrs Macnamara', is celebrated as part of early spring festivals or customs.
- Bee foraging in early-spring: Providing crucial nectar resources, gardens with Snowdrops like 'Mrs Macnamara' can support bee populations during a time when few other floral resources are available.
- Ephemeral art: Artists sometimes use Snowdrops such as 'Mrs Macnamara' to create temporary natural art pieces that reflect themes of impermanence and the fleeting beauty of nature.
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, often symbolize hope because they are among the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, heralding the arrival of spring.
- Purity: The white color of the Snowdrop flower is frequently associated with purity and innocence.
- Consolation or Comfort: Snowdrops can represent consolation or comfort, particularly as they appear at a time of year that can often be cold and bleak.
- New Beginnings: Their early blooming times make them a symbol of new beginnings and rebirth.
WaterThe Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara', commonly known as giant snowdrop, should be watered infrequently but thoroughly, with the soil being allowed to dry out slightly between watering. Typically, during the growing season, watering once weekly with approximately half a gallon of water per plant should suffice, depending on soil type and weather conditions. Decrease watering after the foliage begins to die back post-flowering, as the bulbs enter dormancy. Over-watering or constant soil moisture can lead to bulb rot, so ensure good drainage. During dormancy in the summer, watering is generally unnecessary unless conditions are extremely dry.
LightGiant snowdrop prefers dappled sunlight to partial shade, thriving under deciduous trees or shrubs that provide filtered light. They can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in regions with strong, hot sunlight, a location that offers afternoon shade is ideal to protect the delicate blooms and foliage from scorching.
TemperatureGiant snowdrops are cold-hardy plants that prefer cool to moderate temperatures and thrive best when the temperature range is between 35°F and 55°F. They can survive winter temperatures down to around 10°F and can tolerate short periods of colder weather. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 77°F may harm the plant.
PruningPruning of giant snowdrops isn't required as they maintain a neat appearance naturally. However, once flowering has finished and the leaves start to yellow, they can be gently removed. This typically occurs in late spring or early summer. Care should be taken not to remove leaves while they're still green, as they are replenishing the bulb's energy for next year's bloom.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Giant Snowdrop prefers a moist, well-drained soil mix enriched with compost or other organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingGiant Snowdrops rarely need repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot when clumps become overcrowded, typically every 3-5 years.
Humidity & MistingGiant Snowdrop thrives in average to high humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions typical of temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in cool, bright area, ensure moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil well-drained.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara', commonly known as the Snowdrop, begins its life as a bulb planted in the soil, typically dormant during the warm summer months. As autumn approaches, it initiates root growth in preparation for the upcoming cool season. During late winter to early spring, the snowdrop emerges from the soil, rapidly producing narrow, strap-shaped leaves and a solitary, nodding, white flower. After flowering, the plant undergoes photosynthesis to replenish the bulb's energy reserves for the next cycle before the foliage dies back in late spring to early summer. The bulb then enters a period of dormancy once again through the hot summer. The snowdrop can propagate either by seed dispersal, which requires pollination by insects, or vegetatively by bulb division, multiplying to form clumps with numerous flowering individuals over years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The snowdrop, specifically the Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs. Macnamara', is typically propagated through division, which is best performed just after the plants have finished flowering but while the leaves are still green, known as "in-the-green". To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump with a garden fork, avoiding damage to the bulbs. Gently tease apart the individual bulbs, ensuring that each bulb has a portion of the basal plate and some roots attached. Replant the bulbs immediately at the same depth they were previously growing, which is usually about 3 inches (7.6 cm), and around 3 inches (7.6 cm) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help them establish. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in increasing snowdrop populations in the garden.
