Snowdrop Galanthus elwesii cf. 'Comet'
ABOUT
Galanthus elwesii cf. 'Comet', commonly known as the greater snowdrop, exhibits a striking appearance with its distinct flowers and foliage. The most captivating feature of this plant is its pendulous flowers, which typically consist of three larger outer petals that are pure white, acting as a backdrop to the smaller inner petals that often display a green mark at their tips, resembling a comet — hence the cultivar name 'Comet'. These flowers emerge from a slender, green stalk that arises amid the plant's foliage. The leaves of the greater snowdrop are narrow and elongated, presenting a grayish-green color with a glaucous or silvery sheen that gives them a slightly frosted look. This hue and texture add to the overall elegance of the plant, contrasting beautifully against the snowy whiteness of the petals.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Giant Snowdrop, Greater Snowdrop, Elwes's Snowdrop, Turkish Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus elwesii var. elwesii, Galanthus caucasicus var. elwesii, Galanthus elwesii var. monostictus.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the giant snowdrop is considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, if any part of the plant is ingested, symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of the plant due to these potential negative health effects.
To pets
The giant snowdrop also has low toxicity to pets. If a pet ingests any part of the giant snowdrop, they could experience similar symptoms to humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly excessive drooling or abdominal discomfort. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.6 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Galanthus elwesii 'Comet', commonly known as Giant Snowdrop, has distinct, large, and attractive flowers that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes in late winter to early spring.
- Early Blooming: One of the first plants to bloom in late winter, providing a welcome sign of the upcoming spring and adding color to otherwise dormant gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: The Giant Snowdrop provides an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects emerging after winter.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, this plant requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking low maintenance options.
- Naturalizing: Galanthus elwesii 'Comet' can naturalize by self-seeding and create attractive drifts over the years, spreading out and filling garden spaces.
- Cold Tolerant: Being a winter-blooming perennial, it is resistant to cold temperatures and frost, making it suitable for colder climates.
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 'Comet', commonly known as Elwes' snowdrop, can be used in art and photography for macro shots due to its intricate patterns and early bloom season.
- As an indicator of an eco-friendly garden, Elwes' snowdrop can signify that pesticides and chemicals are not used, as they are vulnerable to soil contamination.
- Elwes' snowdrop bulbs can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology and the life cycle of a bulbous plant.
- The plant can be a source of nectar and pollen for early spring pollinators, aiding in the conservation of bees and other insects when planted in gardens.
- Galanthus elwesii 'Comet' can be utilized in frost-themed landscapes and winter gardens to complement the seasonal atmosphere with their snow-like appearance.
- This variety of snowdrop can be used in storytelling and folklore to signify purity or the end of winter, representing new beginnings in various cultures.
- The leaves of Elwes' snowdrop can be studied for their frost resistance properties, potentially offering insights for agricultural applications in frost-prone areas.
- Elwes' snowdrop can play a role in citizen science projects tracking the effects of climate change by observing the timing of their flowering as a phenological indicator.
- In perfumery, while not common, the delicate scent of Elwes' snowdrop flowers may inspire fragrance notes for niche perfumes that evoke the essence of early spring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Galanthus, commonly known as the Snowdrop, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Snowdrop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Galanthus elwesii cf. 'Comet', commonly known as the Giant Snowdrop, often blooms at the end of winter, symbolizing the hope and rebirth that comes with the arrival of spring.
- Consolation: The Giant Snowdrop has been seen as a symbol for comfort during times of loss or sadness, offering a gentle reminder of new beginnings.
- Purity: With its delicate, white petals, the Giant Snowdrop is often associated with purity and innocence.
WaterFor Snowdrop 'Comet', water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once every week or two depending on climate conditions. During active growth in fall and winter, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, using about one to two gallons of water for outdoor plantings, adjusted for rainfall. In the summer dormancy period, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.
LightSnowdrop 'Comet' thrives in partial to full shade conditions, making it ideal for spots under deciduous trees where it can enjoy dappled sunlight in the spring before the trees fully leaf out. It's not suited for intense direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate foliage.
TemperatureSnowdrop 'Comet' prefers cooler climates, performing best in temperatures between 35°F and 55°F. It can survive brief periods of colder winter temperatures down to about 10°F, but extreme heat above 75°F can be detrimental to its health.
PruningPruning is generally not required for Snowdrop 'Comet'. Clean up spent or yellowing foliage after the leaves die back in late spring to maintain tidiness and to prevent potential diseases, but no regular pruning is necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Snowdrop 'Comet' prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix would contain equal parts loam, leaf mold, and sand to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingSnowdrops like 'Comet' are typically not repotted as they are bulbs; however, they can be lifted and divided after flowering if clumps become congested, usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & Misting'Comet' Snowdrop thrives best in outdoor conditions with natural humidity levels; they do not require high humidity and are quite tolerant of seasonal variations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and moist soil for Snowdrop.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, rich soil, and keep moist after planting.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus elwesii 'Comet', commonly known as the Giant Snowdrop, begins its life cycle with a period of dormancy as a bulb underground during the warmer months. In late winter to early spring, leaves emerge from the bulb, followed by a solitary, pendulous white flower borne on a scape which can push through snow if needed, signaling its growth phase. After pollination, typically by insects, the flower develops a capsule containing seeds; this reproductive stage ensures the propagation of the plant. Once the flowering is complete and seeds are dispersed, the plant enters a senescence phase where the foliage dies back and the plant reenters dormancy, conserving energy in the bulb. The cycle repeats annually with the bulb laying dormant during the summer and becoming active again in cooler months, thus adapting to its environment and ensuring the survival of the species. Over time, the bulbs can multiply, forming clumps that can be divided to produce new plants, illustrating the vegetative propagation stage of its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most common way to propagate Galanthus elwesii cf. 'Comet', commonly known as the Giant Snowdrop, is by dividing its bulbs. This is ideally done when the plant is dormant, in late spring to early summer, after the leaves have died back. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate them, ensuring that each new bulb has a portion of the basal plate (the bottom part where roots grow) intact. Replant the divided bulbs at the same depth they were growing before, which is typically about 3 inches (roughly 7.5 centimeters) deep, and spaced about 3 inches apart. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help them establish. This method is simple and effective, allowing the clumps of snowdrops to be thinned out and spread throughout the garden or shared with fellow gardeners.
