Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus 'Blewbury Tart' (d)
ABOUT
The 'Blewbury Tart' is a distinctive variant of the snowdrop, renowned for its unique and striking flower form. The flowers are fully double, displaying a characteristic arrangement of inner petal segments that resemble ruffled green-edged rosettes, often likened to a tart, hence its name. These intricate blooms bear the traditional snowdrop colors, predominantly white, accented with hints of green that adorn the inner petals. The flowers are gracefully poised on slender stems, nodding subtly as if to shyly showcase their complexity. The green foliage emerges as linear leaves, framing the florals in a complementary lushness that completes the plant's charming display. The overall appearance of the 'Blewbury Tart' snowdrop is one of delicate beauty, with an elaborate flower structure that sets it apart in the genus as a delightful specimen for winter and early spring interest in gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Double Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus nivalis var. pleniflorus 'Flore Pleno', Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno', Galanthus nivalis 'Plenus'.
ToxicityTo humans
Snowdrop is the plant in question. It is mildly toxic to humans if ingested, due to its content of alkaloids, including galantamine. Symptoms of poisoning by consuming parts of the snowdrop can include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There may also be bouts of dizziness and general weakness, but serious incidents are rare due to the bitter taste of the plant deterring considerable consumption.
To pets
Snowdrop is also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. The plant contains alkaloids like galantamine, which can cause symptoms similar to those in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes excessive drooling or lethargy if ingested. It is important to prevent pets from eating snowdrops to avoid these adverse health effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The 'Blewbury Tart' snowdrop offers visual interest in winter gardens with its unique double flowers and striking green markings.
- Early Bloomer: As one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring, it can provide colour during a time when most plants are dormant.
- Pollinator Attraction: Snowdrops are known to attract bees and other pollinators, providing an early source of nectar and pollen when little else is available.
- Low Maintenance: Snowdrops are generally undemanding and can thrive with minimal upkeep, making them suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Naturalizing: They can spread and naturalize over time, creating larger displays of blooms each year without much intervention.
- Cold Tolerance: Being cold hardy, they can survive and bloom even in harsh winter conditions.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, snowdrops can be quite drought-tolerant, making them suitable for regions with less rainfall.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: They are typically resistant to deer and rodents, which might otherwise damage or consume garden plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Snowdrops can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a gentle greenish hue to textiles.
- In folklore, carrying a snowdrop is said to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, offering protection.
- These flowers are sometimes used in winter-themed flower arrangements, offering a unique texture and form for floral design.
- Snowdrop bulbs can be used as a starch substitute in emergency situations, although they are not commonly consumed.
- The blooms can be crystallized with sugar and used as edible decorations for desserts, though this is not common practice.
- Historically, snowdrops were planted around human settlements as they were believed to purify the moral atmosphere of the societies.
- They are known to be indicators of an ecosystem's health, given that they thrive in unpolluted environments.
- Snowdrops are often planted on graves as a symbol of hope and the possibility of life after death.
- In literature and poetry, snowdrops often symbolize purity and the renewal of nature, inspiring creative works.
- They are used in education and scientific studies as an example of plants exhibiting a trait known as thermogenesis, allowing them to melt the snow around them as they bloom.
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: The snowdrop, which Galanthus nivalis represents, is often seen as a symbol of purity due to its bright white flowers that bloom through the snow.
- Hope: As one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, snowdrops symbolize hope and the arrival of spring.
- Resilience: Snowdrops pushing up through frozen ground are a testament to resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Consolation or Comfort: In the language of flowers, snowdrops can convey a message of sympathy, offering comfort to those experiencing loss or sadness.
- New Beginnings: The emergence of snowdrops signals the end of winter and the start of new life, representing fresh starts and new opportunities.
WaterThe Snowdrop 'Blewbury Tart' should be watered moderately during its active growth phase in the fall and spring, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Typically, this means watering once a week with approximately one to two gallons of water for an outdoor garden area, but this may vary depending on soil conditions and climate. Reduce watering after the foliage begins to die back post-blooming, as the plant enters dormancy in the summer.
LightSnowdrop 'Blewbury Tart' thrives best in partial shade to full sun, particularly enjoying the dappled light found under deciduous trees. This makes it an ideal candidate for woodland gardens or areas with morning sun and afternoon shade, ensuring it is protected from the intense heat of the midday sun.
TemperatureSnowdrop 'Blewbury Tart' is cold-hardy and can survive winter temperatures well below freezing, often able to withstand the cold down to 10°F. However, they perform best in the temperature range of 35°F to 53°F during their growth period. They are well-suited to cooler climates and may struggle in areas where temperatures exceed 70°F during their flowering season.
PruningPruning is not typically required for Snowdrop 'Blewbury Tart' as the flowers and foliage naturally die back after blooming. It is important, however, to remove any dead or yellowing foliage once it has completely withered, to prevent any fungal diseases. This usually occurs in late spring, following the blooming period.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDouble Snowdrop 'Blewbury Tart' thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and leaf mold with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. Ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
RepottingDouble Snowdrops, such as 'Blewbury Tart', are not typically grown in pots and do not require regular repotting. They are perennial bulbs best left undisturbed in the garden to naturalize.
Humidity & MistingDouble Snowdrop 'Blewbury Tart' is tolerant of outdoor humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements for its optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, in well-drained soil, during autumn.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycle'Blewbury Tart' snowdrop, a cultivar of Galanthus nivalis, begins its life cycle with seed germination, usually in spring, which progresses to a period of root development and the establishment of a bulb. Throughout the summer, the plant remains dormant underground, conserving energy within the bulb. In late winter, the bulb produces a flower stem with one or more double flowers, characterized by their distinctive green markings on the inner petals. After flowering, the plant forms seed capsules if pollination has occurred. The leaves photosynthesize to replenish the bulb's energy reserves before dying back in late spring. The plant then re-enters dormancy until the next flowering cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus 'Blewbury Tart', commonly referred to as the double-flowered snowdrop, is typically propagated through the division of its bulb clusters. The best time to carry out this method is when the plant is dormant, which is usually in late spring after the leaves have yellowed or during early summer. To propagate, one should carefully dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate them, ensuring that each newly divided bulb retains some of the basal plate and roots. These individual bulbs can then be immediately replanted at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (about 7.5 to 10 centimeters) in well-drained soil, preferably in a shady or semi-shady location. Water the newly planted bulbs moderately to help establish them. This method allows for the gradual increase of plant numbers and helps maintain healthy growth as congested clumps can decrease flowering over time.
