Snowdrops require minimal effort, naturally multiplying and covering your garden in a stunning winter carpet of white blooms in February.
In the heart of England, John Sales, the former chief gardens adviser for the National Trust, tends to a garden filled with snowdrops and a variety of other plants. With a garden that mirrors the high spirits and humour he was known for during his NT days, Sales shares his recommendations for snowdrop varieties that are ideal for naturalizing in gardens.
One of Sales's top picks is 'Galanthus 'Bess', an early, easy, and strong snowdrop with good green markings on the inner segments. He also recommends 'Galanthus 'Lyn', named after his wife who discovered a rare Galanthus 'Atkinsii' variant locally. These snowdrops, along with 'Galanthus nivalis 'Anglesey Abbey', and 'Galanthus 'S. Arnott' - a scented, elegant, and long-lived snowdrop - are favourites for naturalizing due to their ability to multiply and spread over time.
Another popular choice is Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara', which is one of the earliest snowdrops to flower, usually blooming in January or even before Christmas. This snowdrop increases quickly into large colonies, making it an excellent choice for naturalizing. Galanthus woronowii, originating from southern Russia, is another notable snowdrop for its glossy, broad-folded leaves in a bright green that are a notable feature even without flowers.
Sales advises growing snowdrops in grass to prevent disease, as they get diseased partly because they share a rich diet with other plants in borders. For those seeking a more distinctive snowdrop, Galanthus 'Galatea' offers a long pedicel and clumps up well, growing undisturbed in gardens.
For those interested in purchasing these snowdrops, Avon Bulbs at Burnt House Farm, Mid Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5HE, and Beth Chatto, located at Clacton Road, Elmstead Market, Elmstead, Colchester CO7 7DB, are both excellent places to start. Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara' can also be purchased from Beth Chatto. Crocus is another option for purchasing Galanthus woronowii.
While Galanthus nivalis is a common and widely available snowdrop, known for its white flowers with a yellow center, other varieties such as Galanthus plicatus, with its distinctive pleated leaves and robust growth, and Galanthus elwesii, offering larger flowers and a more robust growth habit than some other species, are also well-suited for naturalizing in gardens. For those seeking a double-flowered variety, Galanthus 'Flore Pleno' is particularly attractive for its full blooms.
However, it's worth noting that old narcissi cultivars, such as 'Empress' and 'Emperor', are thought to be carriers of viruses by John Sales. As always, consulting a horticultural expert or a gardening book would be beneficial for specific advice.
These snowdrop varieties, with their hardiness and ability to form large colonies over time, make excellent choices for naturalizing in gardens. So, why not follow John Sales's lead and bring a touch of winter beauty to your own outdoor space?
- John Sales, the former chief gardens adviser for the National Trust, recommends 'Galanthus 'Bess', an early and strong snowdrop with good green markings, for naturalizing in gardens.
- Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara', one of the earliest snowdrops to flower, is another popular choice for naturalizing due to its ability to increasequickly into large colonies.
- For those seeking a more distinctive snowdrop, Galanthus 'Galatea', with its long pedicel and clumping growth habit, is well-suited for naturalizing in gardens.
