Snowdrop Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1'
ABOUT
Snowdrop 'Henham No 1' is a visually striking plant that typically flaunts its beauty in the late winter and early spring. This variety is characterized by its elegant, bell-shaped flowers with pure white petals that gracefully droop from their stems, reminiscent of drops of snow, which gives snowdrops their common name. Each flower generally has three outer petals that are long and curved outward, crowning three inner petals that often display a distinctive green marking. The inner petals are shorter and notched at the tips, and this green mark is one of the traits gardeners enjoy observing. The leaves of 'Henham No 1' are a rich green color, with a notable folded or pleated texture, which is a signature feature of the plant's appearance. The foliage emanates from the base, creating a lush backdrop for the delicate flowers. As with other cultivars in the Galanthus genus, 'Henham No 1' possesses a modest and dainty charm that endears it to plant enthusiasts and makes it a cherished addition to winter gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Crimean Snowdrop, Pleated Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1'
ToxicityTo humans
Snowdrop is considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, all parts of the snowdrop contain alkaloids such as galantamine, which can cause symptoms if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of snowdrop poisoning may include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it may also cause more serious effects including cardiac or neurological symptoms, although such severe reactions are rare.
To pets
Snowdrop is also toxic to pets. It contains alkaloids, including galantamine, which can lead to symptoms of toxicity if consumed. If a pet ingests snowdrop, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and possibly lethargy or ataxia. In more severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac or neurological issues. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds beauty to gardens with its unique and attractive flowers, enhancing the visual interest of any landscape.
- Early Bloomer: As a snowdrop, it's one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring, providing a sign of the coming season.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts early-season pollinators such as bees, supporting biodiversity and the health of the local ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an easy choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Naturalizing: Can spread over time to form larger clumps, creating a natural and unstructured garden aesthetic.
- Hardiness: Demonstrates resilience in cold weather, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: Typically not favored by deer or rodents, decreasing the likelihood of damage by these animals.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1', commonly known as snowdrop, can be used in creating natural dye. The flowers and leaves may be boiled to produce varying shades of yellow or green.
- The sap extracted from snowdrop is sometimes used in the preparation of certain adhesives and can act as a natural glue for small craft projects.
- Dried and pressed snowdrop flowers are often used in herbarium collections or for educational purposes to help in the study of plant species and botany.
- Snowdrop bulbs can be crushed to make a paste that is used traditionally in some cultures to seal fragile items or even to make natural jewelry.
- The fibrous material of the snowdrop plant can be used in weaving fine textiles or for making high-quality paper for artistic use.
- Children sometimes make whimsical fairy crowns and other imaginative play items using the sturdy stems and nodding flowers of the snowdrop.
- Photographers and artists use the aesthetically pleasing snowdrop in their compositions for theoretical photography and botanical illustrations.
- In colder climates, snowdrops are sometimes planted across snow-prevalent areas as their early blooms are capable of breaking through thin layers of snow, providing a charming effect in gardens.
- Nature enthusiasts utilize the growth of snowdrops as phenological indicators to track climate change and the onset of seasons.
- The robust nature of the snowdrop bulb allows for its use in companion planting, helping to protect other more delicate plants from rodents and pests.
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 plicatus 'Henham No 1', more commonly known as Snowdrop, often blooms while snow is still on the ground, serving as a symbol of hope and the promise of the coming spring.
- Purity: The Snowdrop's white color is traditionally associated with purity and innocence.
- Consolation or Comfort: In the language of flowers, Snowdrops can represent consolation or comfort after a loss or sadness, as it's a sign of resilience by piercing through the snow.
- New Beginnings: The plant's early appearance in the year makes it symbolize new beginnings and the fresh start that spring brings.
WaterSnowdrops, including Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1', prefer consistent moisture during their growing season in late winter and spring but do not like to be overly soggy. They should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week, with less frequent watering as they go dormant in the summer. Use about 1 gallon of water per square foot every time you water, ensuring it's distributed evenly around the plant. Adjust the amount based on rainfall, with less watering needed during wet spells.
LightSnowdrops thrive in dappled sunlight or partial shade, where they can be protected from the harsh afternoon sun. An ideal spot for Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1' would be under deciduous trees that provide light shade in the winter and spring, but allow full sunlight to reach the ground after the leaves fall.
TemperatureSnowdrops, including Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1', are hardy and can survive in a temperature range from about 10°F to 75°F, though they prefer the cooler temperatures within this range. The ideal temperature for these plants is between 35°F and 50°F, where they tend to bloom and grow most vigorously.
PruningPruning is typically not necessary for Snowdrops like Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1'. If any cleaning up is required, it is limited to removing dead or yellowing leaves after the plant has finished blooming and entered dormancy, which is usually by late spring. This helps maintain the plant's appearance and prevents any potential disease from lingering foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSnowdrops, including Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1', thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, so a mix containing loam, leaf mold or well-rotted compost is ideal. The pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, between 6.5 and 7.5.
RepottingSnowdrops like Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1' are typically not grown in pots but are planted outdoor. They do not usually require repotting but can be lifted and divided after several years if clumps become too crowded.
Humidity & MistingSnowdrops (Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1') are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and generally do not require any special humidity requirements when grown outdoors in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place snowdrops in cool, bright area; keep soil moist but not wet.
Outdoor
Plant snowdrops in well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus plicatus 'Henham No 1', also known as Plicate snowdrop, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the summer. As temperatures cool in autumn, roots start to develop, followed by the emergence of the foliage and flowering stem as winter approaches. The flower typically blooms in late winter to early spring, showing off its distinctive white tepals with a characteristic green mark on the inner tepals. After pollination, which is often facilitated by early spring insects, the ovary develops into a capsule containing seeds. Once mature, the seed capsule opens to allow seeds to disperse, potentially giving rise to new plants. The leaves then die back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy until the next autumn, thus completing its yearly cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring
Galanthus plicatus 'Henham No. 1', commonly known as snowdrop, is typically propagated by bulb division. The best time to divide snowdrop bulbs is after they have finished flowering and the leaves have died back, usually in late spring to early summer. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clumps of bulbs with a garden fork, gently separate individual bulbs, and replant them immediately to prevent the bulbs from drying out. Each bulb should be planted about 3 inches (7.5 cm) deep and spaced at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. This method allows the gardener to rapidly increase their stock of snowdrops for naturalizing in grass or under trees, creating a charming display each spring.
