Galanthus plicatus

PLEATED ENGLISH SNOWDROP

Galanthus plicatus
PLEATED ENGLISH SNOWDROP

Galanthus plicatus has perhaps the earliest, tallest, largest, and loveliest flowers of all the English Snowdrop family.

Galanthus plicatus bears squadrons of large snow white nodding bells in mid-winter, like dancing ballerinas twirling their tutus.
And the tutus are charmingly marked with green patterns and spots.
So Galanthus are amongst the very first harbingers to let you know that spring is coming soon, and utterly entrancing when there is so little else blooming in the garden.

Winter droplets of whiter than white snow

They really do look like flurries of snowflakes, so the common name of English Snowdrop is apt.
However the “Pleated” part comes from the attractive pleating along the leaves.
However they are native to the shores of the Black sea. Far distant from England.
Because of the rigours of their native habitat they will thrive in a wider range of climates, as long as they get winter cold.

Winter cheer under trees & shrubs

Galanthus plicatus is well suited to Australian gardens in areas where there are cold winters.
Here they are easy to grow, will naturalize and obligingly self sow.
Because these little darlings are robust and hardy bulbs.
And they relish being planted under deciduous trees and shrubs, where they will cheerfully, with no further help from you, turn into an enchanting carpet.

Good cut flowers for petite vases

So the bulbs do not need any lifting or dividing.
And just a feed of all purpose fertilizer after blooming and before the foliage dies down, will keep them in excellent form to produce even more flowers next winter.
Surprisingly, they also make good cut flowers for petite winter vases.

No dig bulbs for easy, low maintenance

The slender, deep green foliage fades away in spring without any mess.
And so they lie dormant till they surprise you all over again next winter.
So leave bulbs undisturbed for years. As there is no need to dig & replant.

Galanthus plicatus are perfect under trees & shrubs

Plant in Part shade or Dappled Sun, and they thrive under deciduous trees & shrubs.
And they are hardy and weatherproof, no matter what winter chucks at them – frost, snow, wind, rain, tempest – no problems.
And an extra bonus is that rabbits and deer will not touch them either – as they hate the taste.

25cm High in pristine white bloom x 10cm Wide of pleated, dark green foliage.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: Galanthus plicatus

Sow in punnets indoors during autumn/winter/spring / or scatter in garden winter-early spring. Seeds need a period of cold to germinate.

INDOORS: Sow Galanthus plicatus seeds in punnets, on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then gently press the seeds into the surface of the mix to ensure good contact.
Now barely cover the seeds with sieved mix/grit/sand.

Then cling wrap the moist, sown punnet & place it in the fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks.

Finally remove from the fridge, unwrap the punnet & place in an unheated, cool, light place.
Temperatures of approx. 10 to 15C are ideal.
Do not be tempted to use artificial heat, as this may inhibit germination.

Most seedlings should emerge in 30 days.
But do not discard the punnet. Patience – Some seeds may come later and this is natural for Galanthus.

SEED COUNT: 5 seeds per pack approx. (Few seeds are available this year).

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