Snowdrop Galanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips'
ABOUT
Galanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips', also known as the snowdrop, is an attractive bulbous perennial known for flowering in late winter to early spring. It boasts delicate nodding flowers that are primarily white. Each bloom is distinct with its unique green markings on the inner petal tips, which give the 'Selborne Green Tips' cultivar its name. The flower's outer petals are pure white and splay outward, somewhat resembling the wings of a butterfly, while the inner petals are shorter with a delicate, emerald-toned crescent at the tip. The foliage of the snowdrop is also quite graceful, with slender, glaucous leaves that are a soft grey-green color, sometimes showing a subtle silvery sheen. These leaves often emerge prior to the blooms, creating a frame for the flowers that emerge on singular, slender scapes. Each bulb typically produces one or two flower stalks, and the flowers have a gentle, sweet fragrance that can be a surprising delight on a cool spring day. The appearance of snowdrop 'Selborne Green Tips' signals the transition from winter to spring, and its blooms are among the first to appear in the garden, often poking through the remnants of snow or fallen leaves.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Giant Snowdrop, Elwes's Snowdrop, Greater Snowdrop, Selborne Green Tips Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips') is considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant, particularly the bulb, contain alkaloids such as galantamine, which can cause symptoms if consumed in significant quantities. Snowdrop poisoning symptoms may include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There may also be more serious effects such as dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases, tremors or cardiac arrhythmias. The risk is generally low unless considerable amounts of the plant are eaten; nevertheless, it is advisable to avoid eating any part of the snowdrop and to keep it out of reach of children who might be tempted to ingest it.
To pets
Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips') is also toxic to pets. Similar to their effects on humans, all parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, including galantamine, which can lead to poisoning if ingested by animals. Symptoms of snowdrop poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and in severe cases, seizures or cardiac irregularities. It is important to keep pets away from snowdrops and to seek veterinary care immediately if there is suspicion that they may have ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
4 inches (10 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Blooming: Galanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips', also known as Snowdrop, is one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring, offering a sign of the coming season change.
- Attracts Pollinators: Snowdrops provide an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging on warm days in late winter.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The distinctive green markings on the petals add a unique aesthetic to gardens and naturalized areas.
- Low Maintenance: Snowdrops are well-regarded for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Cold Hardy: Snowdrops are capable of withstanding cold temperatures and can thrive in many climates subjected to winter cold.
- Naturalizing: These plants can spread over time, creating an elegant carpet of white blooms that come back year after year.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Snowdrops are relatively drought tolerant, needing little supplemental watering.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Snowdrops are not particularly attractive to deer or rodents, reducing the likelihood of damage from these creatures.
- Companion Planting: They work well under deciduous trees and shrubs, and can be planted with other spring-blooming bulbs like crocuses and daffodils.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Indicator of climate change: Galanthus elwesii, commonly known as the giant snowdrop, blooms in late winter and is sensitive to temperature changes, making it a potential phenological indicator for studying the impact of climate change.
- Botanical illustration subject: The unique appearance of the 'Selborne Green Tips' variety, with its green-tipped petals, makes it popular among botanical illustrators and artists for its aesthetic appeal.
- Collectors’ items: Due to their unique coloring and limited availability, certain cultivars of giant snowdrops become collector’s items, attracting horticulturists who specialize in rare plant varieties.
- Insect habitat: Early blooming provides nectar and pollen to insects awakening from hibernation or that are active during winter, offering a crucial food source when little else is available.
- Winter garden design: Gardeners use Galanthus elwesii in designing winter gardens due to its ability to flower in cold weather, providing interest in otherwise dormant landscapes.
- Symbolic planting: They are often planted as symbols of hope and purity, especially in memorial gardens and other spaces dedicated to remembrance.
- Educational tool: Giant snowdrops can be used in educational settings to teach children about bulbous plants, their life cycle, and early flowering adaptations.
- Photography subject: Their distinctive early bloom and resilience to cold weather make them an excellent subject for winter and macro photography enthusiasts.
- Crafts and decorations: Dried or pressed flowers of the giant snowdrop can be used for creating bookmarks, greeting cards, or other crafts, especially as a representation of the winter season.
- Ecosystem support: Acting as one of the first flowers to bloom, they provide an early season boost to the garden ecosystem by jumpstarting the food chain.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSnowdrop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySnowdrop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and Resilience: As a species of snowdrop, Galanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips' often blooms in late winter or early spring, pushing through the snow. This makes it a symbol of overcoming challenges and the return of life after tough times.
- Purity and Innocence: The delicate white flowers of the snowdrop traditionally symbolize purity and innocence, due to their clean appearance and the fact that they are one of the first flowers to appear after winter.
- Hope: Similarly, the emergence of snowdrops like Galanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips' at the end of winter is a sign of hope and the anticipation of better things as the seasons change.
- Consolation or Sympathy: In some traditions, snowdrops are given as a symbol of consolation or sympathy, perhaps because they appear at a time of year that can be cold and bleak, offering a sign of comfort.
- Christian Purity: In Christian symbolism, the snowdrop sometimes represents purity and is associated with the Candlemas feast, which celebrates the purification of the Virgin Mary.
- New Beginnings: The snowdrop's role as one of the first flowers of the year makes it a natural symbol of new beginnings and the fresh start that comes with a new cycle of growth.
WaterThe Giant Snowdrop, or Galanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips', should be watered moderately during its active growth in the late winter and spring. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In general, watering once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water per square yard of soil should suffice, although this will depend on soil type and climate. During the plant's dormant period in the summer, reduce watering significantly and only water lightly if there is an extended period of drought. Always check the soil moisture at a depth of a couple of inches to ensure it's not too dry before watering again.
LightThe Giant Snowdrop thrives in partial to full shade, preferring a spot that mimics its natural woodland habitat. It can tolerate morning sunlight but should be protected from the intense afternoon sun. A position under deciduous trees where it can receive dappled light is ideal; this ensures that the plant gets the light it needs in the spring before the trees fully leaf out.
TemperatureThe Giant Snowdrop is cold-hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate climates. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 28 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit during its growing season. It is typically resilient to late frosts in spring, although extreme heat during its growth period can be detrimental.
PruningPruning of the Giant Snowdrop is generally not necessary as it is a bulbous plant that naturally dies back after flowering. However, once the leaves have fully yellowed and died back in late spring or early summer, you can tidy up the plant by gently removing this dead foliage. This helps to prevent disease and makes the garden look more attractive. There is no need for pruning at other times of the year.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Giant Snowdrop prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. A mixture of loamy soil, leaf mold, and perlite enhances drainage and nutrient content ideal for this plant.
RepottingGiant Snowdrops typically don't require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They may be divided and repotted after flowering if clumps become too dense.
Humidity & MistingGiant Snowdrop thrives in average humidity levels and does not require special humidity conditions, making it well-suited for typical outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in cool spot with indirect light; maintain moist, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enrich soil with compost, and ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips', commonly known as the Giant Snowdrop, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which undergoes a period of dormancy during the summer months. In late winter to early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sends up shoots, which develop into the characteristic slender, gray-green leaves and the nodding, white flowers tipped with green. After flowering, the plant undergoes photosynthesis and stores energy back into the bulb for the next season. The flowers eventually give way to seed capsules that, when mature, split open to disperse seeds. However, the plant most commonly propagates through bulb division rather than seeds. Once temperatures rise in late spring, the foliage dies back, and the plant returns to a dormant state, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating Snowdrops, specifically Galanthus elwesii 'Selborne Green Tips', is by dividing clumps of bulbs. This division is best done when the plants are dormant, typically after the leaves have died back in late spring to early summer. Carefully lift the clump from the ground with a spade, ensuring that you don't damage the bulbs. Gently separate the bulbs by hand, making sure each division has at least one growing point. Replant the bulbs immediately at the same depth they were growing before, which is usually about 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) deep, spacing them around 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help establish them. This straightforward method effectively multiplies your Snowdrop plants and encourages healthy growth in the next flowering season.
