Snowdrop Galanthus 'Silverwells'
ABOUT
Galanthus 'Silverwells' is a distinctive plant known commonly as a snowdrop. This cultivar is prized for its elegant flowers and foliage. The blooms are characterized by their classic snowdrop shape, with three larger outer petals that droop downwards like a bell. These outer petals possess a pure white hue. Beneath them, three smaller inner petals can be found, often with green markings at the tips, contributing to the plant's delicate appearance. The foliage of 'Silverwells' consists of slender, linear leaves. These leaves are a vibrant green color and have a graceful arching form, creating a fountain-like effect as they rise from the base of the plant. The leaves may also exhibit an attractive silver sheen, which is where the name 'Silverwells' comes from, adding to the plant's ornamental value. Overall, the snowdrop carries an air of refined beauty, with its snowy blossoms and lustrous leaves standing out in the late winter to early spring landscape, when few other plants are in bloom. Their harmonious appearance makes them a desirable choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their garden during the colder months.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Snowdrop, Common Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus 'Silverwells'.
ToxicityTo humans
Galanthus 'Silverwells', commonly known as Snowdrop, contains alkaloids including galantamine, which can be toxic if ingested by humans. Snowdrop poisoning symptoms can include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause more serious effects like low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to neurological complications and can potentially be fatal, particularly in children and individuals with compromised health.
To pets
Snowdrop is also toxic to pets. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, they can suffer from symptoms similar to those in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can result in seizures, cardiac issues, and neurological signs. It is important to keep Snowdrop plants out of reach of pets to avoid accidental ingestion and poisoning.
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
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Early flowering: Galanthus 'Silverwells', commonly known as Snowdrop, blooms early in the year, often being one of the first flowers to herald the end of winter.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its delicate white flowers and contrasting green markings, Snowdrops add beauty and charm to winter gardens.
- Low maintenance: Snowdrops are considered to be low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in suitable conditions.
- Naturalizing: These plants are known for their ability to naturalize, spreading out over time to form impressive carpets of white blooms.
- Attracts pollinators: Early emerging pollinators such as bees find a valuable source of nectar in Snowdrop flowers during a time when few other plants are in bloom.
- Resilience to cold: Snowdrops are highly cold-tolerant, making them excellent for gardens in cooler climates.
- Symbolic significance: Snowdrops are often seen as a symbol of hope and renewal, making them a poignant addition to any garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrops, can be used as a natural pest deterrent due to certain alkaloids present that may repel rodents and other garden pests.
- Crushed leaves of snowdrops can be added to compost piles to speed up the decomposition process as they contain substances that can act as a natural compost activator.
- When strategically planted, snowdrops can function as a living mulch, preventing weed growth during the early spring when they're in bloom.
- In literature and art, snowdrops can symbolize purity and hope, and they are sometimes incorporated into artworks or literary themes for this effect.
- Due to their early blooming, snowdrops can act as indicators of soil temperature and environmental conditions for gardeners.
- Snowdrop bulbs can be used in a technique called 'twin-scaling' to propagate new bulbs, serving as an educational tool for horticulturists and botanists.
- In photography, the unique appearance of snowdrops, often pushing up through snow, provides a popular subject for macro and nature photographers.
- Snowdrops can be used in companion planting to take advantage of their bloom time, providing support and contrast to later-blooming flowers in the garden.
- Their resilience to cold can be utilized in weather observation studies, analyzing and recording the impact of late winter weather patterns on early-spring bulbous plants.
- As a harbinger of spring, snowdrops play a role in cultural festivals and events that celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of the growing season.
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 Galanthus 'Silverwells', commonly known as Snowdrop, often symbolizes purity due to its clean, white petals that are one of the first to emerge through the snow at the end of winter.
- Hope: As one of the earliest bulbs to bloom, snowdrops represent hope and the promise of new life.
- Consolation or Sympathy: In the language of flowers, snowdrops can express sympathy and are sometimes given to people who are grieving or in need of comfort.
- Resilience: The snowdrop's ability to bloom in the coldest month of the year symbolizes resilience and the power to overcome challenges.
WaterSnowdrops, including Galanthus 'Silverwells', should be watered moderately during their growing season in the fall and winter, tapering off after they bloom and their foliage starts to die back in late spring. Generally, during the active growing season, they prefer to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. A weekly watering of about 1 gallon per square yard is usually sufficient, depending on soil type and climate. It's crucial to avoid overwatering as this can lead to bulb rot. During their dormant period in the summer, water sparingly or not at all, as they are tolerant of summer drought.
LightSnowdrops like cool sunlight and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions but are best suited to partial shade. They do well under deciduous trees where they can receive early spring sunlight before the trees fully leaf out and provide dappled shade. Avoiding direct, intense afternoon sun helps prevent premature wilting of their delicate blooms.
TemperatureSnowdrops, such as Galanthus 'Silverwells', are hardy and can usually withstand winter temperatures as low as 10°F without damage, with an ideal growing temperature range between 35°F and 53°F. They should be protected from extreme heats; temperatures consistently above 77°F may hinder their growth or cause them to go dormant.
PruningSnowdrops do not require regular pruning. However, after flowering, it is advisable to remove any faded flowers to tidy up the plant and potentially discourage seed production, which can divert energy away from bulb development. Leave the foliage until it yellow and dies down naturally, usually by late spring, as this helps the bulb gather energy for the next year's growth.
CleaningNot needed
SoilSnowdrops 'Silverwells' thrive best in loamy soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter, with a pH range from 6.5 to 7.0. For an ideal soil mix, combine garden soil with compost and a bit of fine grit or perlite to ensure good drainage. Mulch annually with leaf mold to enrich soil nutrients.
RepottingSnowdrops 'Silverwells' generally do not need to be repotted often as they prefer to be left undisturbed. They can be repotted or divided every 3 to 5 years in the fall after the leaves have died back.
Humidity & MistingSnowdrops 'Silverwells' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity, making them suitable for typical outdoor conditions in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Snowdrops 'Silverwells' near bright window, keep soil lightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant Snowdrops 'Silverwells' in partial shade, enrich soil, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGalanthus 'Silverwells', commonly known as Snowdrop 'Silverwells', begins its life cycle as a dormant bulb that survives underground during the summer. As temperatures cool in autumn, the bulb begins to develop roots. By late winter to early spring, shoots emerge from the bulb, and it produces its characteristic nodding, white flowers. After flowering, the plant produces linear leaves which photosynthesize energy for the bulb to store for the following season. Once the leaves yellow and die back by late spring, the plant reenters dormancy. During its dormant period, the bulb may divide, producing offsets that will grow into genetically identical plants, perpetuating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Snowdrop 'Silverwells' is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method. The ideal time to divide snowdrops is after they have finished flowering, but while the leaves are still green, usually in the spring. To propagate them, carefully lift the clumps from the soil using a hand trowel, shake off the excess dirt, and gently tease apart the bulbs. Each bulb should have a portion of the basal plate and some roots attached. Replant the divided bulbs immediately at a depth of about 3 inches (roughly 7.5 centimeters) and at a similar spacing between them to give each bulb enough room to grow. This method of propagation helps to maintain the vigor of the plant and also encourages the spread of these charming little flowers in the garden.
