As I’m starting to see little clumps of snowdrops in people’s gardens on my daily walk, mainly the common single ones (Galanthus nivalis), I thought I’d share a gallery of some of the fancier ones.
My favourites, though I couldn’t say why, are any that have green markings on the tips of their outer petals.
Some people feel an affection for glum-looking snowdrops that appear to have two green eyes above a downturned mouth. Perhaps it’s a kick-back against the optimistic, first sign of spring image snowdrops generally have. They’re typically expensive, which is perhaps as well. Having a whole garden full of them is a scary thought.
If I’d have been naming Galanthus elwesii var. monostictus ‘Three Leaves’, I’d have been more interested in celebrating the very long, elegant, white petals. I have to confess I didn’t even look at the leaves.
Galanthus plicatus is also named because of the leaves, which look like they’ve been folded. The flowers of this particular cultivar are puffed out and have a crinkled texture.
Yellow snowdrops are often smaller, daintier plants. This one was half and half and perhaps as a consequence was vigorous.
Here’s a true yellow for comparison.
Sad-faced snowdrops aside, these sweet little bulbs never look better than when they are planted in drifts. I’ll have to do with admiring clusters this year, but the great thing about photography is I can always look back.
