Snowdrop Galanthus 'Wasp'
ABOUT
The 'Wasp' variety of snowdrop is a charming and distinctive plant, recognizable by its unique and elegant blooms. Its flowers are characterized by the drooping, bell-like shape that is common to snowdrops, with pure white petals framing a small inner segment often touched with a green mark at the tips. The outer petals are elongated and form a delicate teardrop shape, while the inner petals are shorter and often notched at the ends. The foliage of the 'Wasp' snowdrop is also noteworthy, consisting of slender, arching leaves that are a fresh green color, forming a lovely contrast with the snowy white flowers. Unlike other varieties, the leaves of 'Wasp' tend to be quite narrow and may even appear to twist or curl somewhat, adding to the plant's whimsical aesthetic. Together, the white flowers and green foliage give the plant a crisp and refreshing look, making it a welcome sight at the end of winter and an indication that spring is on its way. The 'Wasp' snowdrop carries with it the tranquil beauty typical of snowdrops, but its unique flower shape lends it an air of refined elegance and grace, making it a desirable addition to any garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Snowdrop, Wasp Snowdrop
Common names
Galanthus 'Wasp'
ToxicityTo humans
Snowdrop, the plant you're asking about, contains alkaloids including galantamine, which can be toxic if ingested. Symptoms of snowdrop poisoning can include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe reactions might include abdominal pain, dizziness, and heart and nervous system problems.
To pets
Snowdrop is also toxic to pets, due to the same alkaloids like galantamine present in the plant. If a pet ingests snowdrops, symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly seizures. In severe cases, ingesting the plant can lead to low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or eating this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Galanthus 'Wasp', commonly known as snowdrop 'Wasp', adds beauty to gardens with its elegant white flowers that appear in late winter or early spring, often while snow is still on the ground.
- Early Bloomer: As one of the earliest flowering plants, snowdrops signal the end of winter and the beginning of spring, bringing the first splash of color to the garden after the cold months.
- Low Maintenance: Snowdrops generally require minimal care once established in a garden, making them ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for low-effort landscaping.
- Naturalizing: Snowdrops are good for naturalizing, which means they spread and create a more filled-out look in gardens over time, adding to their charm and reducing the need for additional planting.
- Wildlife Friendly: The flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, which are active on warm winter days when snowdrops bloom.
- Hardiness: Snowdrop 'Wasp' is resilient and can tolerate cold winter climates, making it suitable for gardens in many different regions.
- Ground Cover: Their ability to spread and grow in clumps makes snowdrops effective at ground covering, which can help suppress weeds and protect the soil.
- Versatility: Snowdrops can be grown in a variety of garden settings, including borders, woodlands, and lawns, or even in pots and containers for those with limited space.
- Resilience to Pests: Snowdrops are generally resistant to pests and diseases, making them a trouble-free option for gardeners looking to avoid chemical treatments.
- Heritage and Tradition: Planting snowdrops carries a long tradition and they are often associated with hope and the arrival of spring, adding not only beauty but also cultural significance to a garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic subject: Snowdrop 'Wasp' variants are often sought after by photographers for their unique petal shapes and striking appearance against a wintery backdrop.
- Weather indicator: Snowdrops, including the 'Wasp' variety, are one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring, signalling the imminent change of seasons.
- Garden aesthetics: Planting Snowdrop 'Wasp' in large drifts can create a striking visual effect in gardens, due to their delicate appearance and ability to flower when little else is blooming.
- Educational tool: The 'Wasp' snowdrop can be used in educational settings to teach botany and horticulture, illustrating bulb growth and plant lifecycle.
- Cultural symbol: In some cultures, snowdrops symbolize hope and the return of happiness; the 'Wasp' variety, with its distinct look, can enhance the symbolism in cultural ceremonies or festivals.
- Culinary decoration: Though not commonly consumed, the flowers of the Snowdrop 'Wasp' can be used as a delicate garnish for springtime dishes, after ensuring they are free from any harmful treatments.
- Art inspiration: The unique form of the Snowdrop 'Wasp' has inspired artists to capture its essence in paintings, drawings, and even textile designs.
- Collectors' item: Gardeners and plant enthusiasts often seek out rare and unusual varieties like Snowdrop 'Wasp' to add to their private collections.
- Bee attraction: Early flowering plants like snowdrops provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators at a time when few other food sources are available.
- Symbol of resilience: Due to their ability to push through the frozen ground and bloom in the coldest months, snowdrops including the 'Wasp' variety can represent resilience and perseverance in adversity.
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: The Galanthus, commonly known as Snowdrop, often symbolizes hope as it is one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, signifying the coming of spring.
- Purity: The snow-white color of the Snowdrop is frequently associated with purity and innocence.
- Consolation or Sympathy: Because Snowdrops can appear to hang their heads, they are sometimes used to express consolation or sympathy, embodying a sense of support during difficult times.
- Resilience: Snowdrops tend to push through the frozen ground and bloom even in snowy conditions, making them a symbol of resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- New Beginnings: As heralds of spring, Snowdrops symbolize new beginnings and renewal, which is why they are often associated with the start of new ventures or the turning of a new leaf in life.
WaterSnowdrops, including the Galanthus 'Wasp', prefer soil that is moist but well-drained, particularly during their growing season in the late winter and spring. Watering should generally occur when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on climate and weather conditions. Provide roughly 1 to 2 gallons of water per square yard every week during active growth, reducing watering after the foliage starts to die back post-flowering, as they enter dormancy. Over-watering can lead to bulb rot, so it's critical to avoid waterlogged conditions.
LightSnowdrops, such as the Galanthus 'Wasp', thrive in light conditions ranging from partial shade to full sun. They do especially well when planted under deciduous trees, receiving full sun in winter and spring before the trees leaf out, and partial shade during the hot summer months. The ideal spot is one that mimics their natural woodland habitat, with filtered sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade.
TemperatureSnowdrops, which include the Galanthus 'Wasp', can tolerate winter temperatures as they are cold-hardy plants, generally surviving in conditions as low as -20°F. They prefer a chill during their dormancy period, which helps to trigger flowering. The ideal growing temperature for snowdrops is between 35°F and 70°F, making them well suited to temperate regions.
PruningSnowdrops, or Galanthus 'Wasp', usually do not require extensive pruning. However, removing spent flowers after blooming encourages the plant to put energy into bulb growth instead of seed production, which is beneficial for next year's display. You should cut back the foliage only after it has yellowed and died back naturally, usually a few weeks after flowering, to ensure that the bulbs can store enough energy for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSnowdrop 'Wasp' thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix can consist of one part garden soil, one part peat or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand for improved drainage.
RepottingSnowdrops, like 'Wasp', are rarely repotted as they are perennial bulbs and prefer to be left undisturbed. Instead, they can be divided every 3 to 5 years in the spring after flowering has finished.
Humidity & MistingSnowdrop 'Wasp' prefers moderate humidity levels but due to its hardiness, it is quite tolerant of varying humidity conditions when planted outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and cool temps for Snowdrop 'Wasp'.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, in well-draining humus-rich soil.
Hardiness zone
Snowdrop 'Wasp' is suitable for USDA zones 3-9.
Life cycleGalanthus 'Wasp', also known as a variety of snowdrop, begins its life cycle when the bulb is planted in the ground, typically in late summer or early autumn. The bulb remains dormant until late winter or early spring, when temperatures begin to rise. At this point, the snowdrop emerges from the soil, producing slender stems and distinctive, nodding white flowers with a green mark on the inner petals. The foliage, consisting of narrow, grayish-green leaves, appears alongside or shortly after the flowers. After flowering, the plant goes into a period of photosynthesis to replenish the energy stores in the bulb for the next season. As temperatures rise in late spring, the snowdrop's foliage dies back, and the plant reenters dormancy until the next cycle begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagating the Snowdrop 'Wasp' (Galanthus 'Wasp') is through division. This typically occurs just after the plant has finished flowering when the leaves are still green, usually in late spring. Gardeners carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them, taking care to keep as many roots intact as possible. The separated bulbs are then immediately replanted at the same soil depth from which they were originally taken, spaced about 3 inches (approximately 7.5 centimeters) apart to give each bulb sufficient room to grow. Watering the newly planted bulbs after replanting ensures they establish themselves in their new location. Division helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may no longer be flowering as vigorously, and it's the best way to increase the number of Snowdrop 'Wasp' plants in the garden.
