Snowdrops ring in the new garden year. But not all snowdrops are the same. We present the most beautiful species and varieties.

The rather smaller varieties belong to the species Galanthus nivalis

Snowdrops (Galanthus) carefully push themselves out of the cold earth from January. They are the first scouts of a world awakening from winter. With the typical white flowers and long green leaves, they dispel the fear that winter will never end, even when there is snow. The different species vary in terms of their external appearance and thus provide the necessary variety. Do you need more arguments to bring the dainty early bloomers into your own garden?

Snowdrop Species

Snowdrops are perennial, herbaceous plants that are mainly distributed in the countries around the Black Sea. But one of the 20 species is also native here in Central Europe. The little snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) bravely stretches out its flowers towards the first rays of sunshine from January to March, even when there is snow. The German word snowdrop is derived from this species with its spring-heralding flowers. Along with the Turkish or giant snowdrops (Galanthus elwesii) and the Voronov snowdrops (Galanthus woronowii), they are among the most common species sold as ornamental plants. Here are the differences:

Galanthus elwesii are so-called giant snowdrops with particularly large flowers
  • Lesser Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)

    • Growth: 7 to 18 cm
    • Flowering period: December to April
    • Flower: white with green spot
    • Leaves: long and bluish green
  • Giant Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii)

    • Growth: 20 cm
    • Flowering period: February to March
    • Blossom: large flowers with broad, dark green stripes on the crowns
    • Leaves: broad and dull green
    • Does well in dry and sunny locations
  • Woronow's snowdrop (Galanthus woronowii)

    • Growth: 4 to 19 cm
    • Flowering:January to April
    • Flower: white with greenish markings
    • Leaves: broad and glossy
    • Used as a remedy

There are three species that flower in autumn. One is a subspecies of Queen Olga's snowdrop (Galanthus reginae-olgae) with a flowering period from September to December.

Hint: It's tempting to pick a small bunch of snowdrops at the edge of the forest. But the wild species have been under species protection since 1973. Therefore please do not pick wild snowdrops!

Snowdrops are the harbingers of spring

The most beautiful varieties of snowdrops

For the layperson, there may not be any major differences between the approximately 500 registered snowdrop varieties (Galanthus) at first glance. A galanthophile, that's what snowdrop collectors and lovers are called, is more likely to see things through. Galanthophiles have completely devoted themselves to the heralds of spring with their pure white, greenish or yellow-centred flowers. There are also varieties with double flowers or characteristic patterns and drawings on the petals. To make you a real snowdrop fan too, we have put together a small selection of particularly beautiful varieties.

Snowdrops are among the first flowers of spring
  • 'April Fool': late flowering
  • 'Atkinsii': Tall; big flower
  • 'Bertram Anderson': Huge Buds
  • ‘Big Boy’: Very large and massive flowers
  • 'Blonde Inge': Yellow ovary; yellow drawing
  • 'Cordelia': Double, large flowers
  • 'Green Ibis': flowering in late March to April; green drawing of the petals
  • 'Green Tear': Green Petals
  • ‘Maximus’: Vigorous; good for naturalization
  • 'Mrs. Thompson': Usually 5 instead of 3 petals; possibly 2 flowers/plant
  • 'Spindlestone Surprise': flowering in February; very yellow ovary
  • 'Straffan': Up to two flowers per bulb
  • 'Titania', 'Flore Pleno', 'Hippolyta': double flowers
  • ‘Wendys Gold’: yellow ovary, large markings
Snowdrop
There are many different varieties of snowdrops

It is not always possible to clearly determine which species a variety belongs to. Hybrid varieties are often grown, which makes assignment difficult. themore intensive breeding of hybrids began in the middle of the 19th century. After the Crimean War, soldiers brought native species to England. There they were crossed with native species.

For newcomers to the snowdrop scene, robust, vigorous varieties such as 'Samuel Arnott', 'Warham Variety', 'Washfield Colesbourne' or 'Bill Bishop' are suitable. Who knows, maybe you will soon count yourself among the proud lovers of snowdrops.

Snowdrops are often confused with snowflakes. You can find out how the two early bloomers differ in our article about the March cup.

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Garden Design