Snowdrop Galanthus 'Cordelia' (d)
ABOUT
Galanthus 'Cordelia', commonly known as the double snowdrop, is a charming perennial plant beloved for its delicate flowers that signal the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The double snowdrop features a rosette of narrow, green, strap-shaped leaves that emerge from the soil, creating a fresh and tidy base for the blooms. The standout feature of Galanthus 'Cordelia' is its beautiful, double flowers. Each stem supports a single hanging flower that resembles an elegant, white bell with a skirt-like appearance. The petals are pure white and arranged in layers with the inner segments often displaying a touch of green at their tips. The flower’s double arrangement makes it look ruffled and fuller compared to the single blooms of other snowdrop varieties. The charming blooms of the double snowdrop appear in late winter to early spring, often piercing through frost and snow to reveal their splendor. The plant has a poised, yet delicate look, with the pure white of the flowers contrasting against the dark soil and the typically bleak hues of the dormant winter garden. Overall, Galanthus 'Cordelia' is a treasure in the garden for its exquisite, nodding flowers and its ability to bring life and beauty to the cold, late winter landscape. It is favored in gardens for its ornamental value and its symbolism of hope and renewal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Double Snowdrop, Greatorex Double Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus 'Cordelia'.
ToxicityTo humans
Snowdrop, including the variety 'Cordelia', contains alkaloids such as galantamine and lycorine which can be toxic if ingested. Symptoms of snowdrop poisoning may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as dizziness, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmia. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is advisable to seek medical attention if any part of the plant is ingested or if symptoms occur.
To pets
Snowdrop is toxic to pets as it contains compounds like galantamine and lycorine. If a pet ingests any part of the snowdrop, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and possibly drooling. In more severe cases, ingestion can result in lethargy, tremors, seizures, and cardiac abnormalities. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if your pet has ingested any part of a snowdrop plant.
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Galanthus 'Cordelia', commonly known as snowdrop, has a delicate and attractive appearance that enhances the beauty of winter and early spring gardens.
- Early Bloomers: Being one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter, snowdrops can provide a much-needed splash of color after a long, dreary winter.
- Hardiness: Snowdrops are known for their ability to push through frozen ground and snow, demonstrating their resilience and low maintenance requirements once established.
- Wildlife Attraction: Snowdrops provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators emerging in late winter when few other food sources are available.
- Naturalizing: Snowdrops readily spread and form naturalized drifts in the garden, creating a carpet of white that can be appreciated year after year.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, snowdrops require minimal care, needing only to be left undisturbed to thrive and multiply.
- Symbolism: Snowdrops are often associated with hope and purity, making them meaningful additions to any garden space.
- Companion Planting: Snowdrops pair well with other early bloomers such as winter aconites and hellebores, enhancing the diversity and visual appeal of planting schemes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: 'Cordelia', a type of snowdrop, can inspire artists and poets, symbolizing the emergence of spring and the triumph of hope over despair in their works.
- Education and research: Botanists and horticulturists might use Galanthus 'Cordelia' to teach about plant biology, especially the mechanisms behind bulb propagation and early spring blooming patterns.
- Garden design: 'Cordelia' is utilized for its aesthetic beauty in garden design, being planted in drifts to create carpets of white in woodland gardens or along borders.
- Bee forage: This plant provides an early source of nectar and pollen for bees when few other food sources are available, supporting local pollinator populations.
- Photography subject: The unique characteristics of 'Cordelia' make it an attractive subject for photographers specializing in botanical and nature photography.
- Specialized nurseries: Snowdrops like 'Cordelia' provide a niche for specialized plant nurseries that focus on rare and exceptional bulbous plants.
- Climate change studies: Observing the flowering time of early bloomers like 'Cordelia' can help scientists track changes in climate patterns over time.
- Floral arrangements: Although not commonly used, the delicate blossoms of Galanthus 'Cordelia' can be included in small-scale, dainty floral arrangements for events or personal decoration.
- Horticultural therapy: The act of planting and caring for Galanthus 'Cordelia' can be therapeutic, providing a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature for individuals in therapy programs.
- Cultural festivals: Some regions celebrate the blooming of snowdrops with festivals and events, where 'Cordelia' might be showcased as a cultivar of interest.
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: Galanthus, commonly known as Snowdrop, often symbolize purity because of their white color, resembling snow and cleanliness.
- Hope: As one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, Snowdrops represent hope and the arrival of spring.
- Consolation: Snowdrops can be a symbol of consolation or comfort, as they often appear while the cold winter is still present, providing a sign of encouragement.
- New Beginnings: Associated with the early spring, Snowdrops symbolize new beginnings and the start of a new cycle in nature.
WaterThe Snowdrop 'Cordelia' prefers soil that is consistently moist during its growing season. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. Reduce watering after the plant's foliage begins to yellow and die back, as this indicates the plant is entering its dormant period. During dormancy, minimal watering is required, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Use a watering can to pour water directly at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering which can damage the delicate flowers. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure your snowdrops are planted in well-draining soil.
LightSnowdrop 'Cordelia' thrives in partial to full shade conditions, making it an ideal candidate for planting under deciduous trees or in a woodland garden where it can receive filtered sunlight. It can tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates but should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun in warmer regions. Ideal lighting ensures the delicate flowers are shielded from direct, strong sunlight which can scorch the petals and foliage.
TemperatureSnowdrop 'Cordelia' is a hardy plant that can survive winter temperatures, with a minimum tolerance around 10°F and an ideal growing range between 35°F and 55°F. It starts to grow during late winter to early spring, often while snow is still on the ground. Snowdrops can survive short periods of colder temperatures but should be protected from extreme cold below 10°F to prevent damage to the bulbs.
PruningPruning is not generally required for Snowdrop 'Cordelia', as it's a low-maintenance plant that dies back naturally. However, you can remove spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering to ensure the bulb can store energy for the next season. If foliage needs trimming, do so only after it has yellowed and withered away.
CleaningNot needed
SoilSnowdrop 'Cordelia' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter such as leaf mold or compost. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.2 to 7.0 is optimal for this plant.
RepottingSnowdrop 'Cordelia' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when clusters become overcrowded, ideally just after they finish flowering in the spring.
Humidity & MistingSnowdrop 'Cordelia' prefers outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity levels, as long as the soil moisture is consistent and well-regulated.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in cool room with indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade or full sun, in rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus 'Cordelia' (d), commonly known as Snowdrop 'Cordelia', begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the summer months. In late winter to early spring, the bulb sends up shoots, which develop into the plant's distinctive white, drooping, bell-shaped flowers and linear leaves. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis to store energy in the bulb for the next flowering season. As the temperature rises towards the end of spring, the foliage dies back and the plant goes into dormancy again. The bulb divides and multiplies during this dormant period, enabling the snowdrop to spread and form clumps. This cyclical pattern is repeated annually with the plant re-emerging and blooming traditionally at a time when few other plants flower, signaling the end of winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The optimal time to propagate Galanthus 'Cordelia', commonly known as double snowdrop, is when the plant is dormant from late spring to early summer after the foliage has died back. Propagation is most commonly done through dividing the bulbs. In this method, gardeners gently lift the clumps of bulbs after the leaves have yellowed and died back, being careful not to damage them. Each clump typically consists of several bulbs that are lightly attached to one another. These clumps can be carefully pulled apart by hand or with the aid of a small tool to separate individual bulbs. Once separated, the individual bulbs should be immediately replanted at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) in soil that has been well amended with organic material. This simple yet effective division method helps to maintain the plant's vigor and produce a more impactful floral display in subsequent seasons.
