Galanthus gracilis (09/02/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Partial shade
Flowering period: Late winter to early spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 10cm
Eventual Spread: 10cm
Hardiness: 6a – 10a
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Galanthus gracilis is a winter flowering bulbous perennial. Its glaucous leaves are strap like, lanceolate with entire margins, slightly twisted, up to 10cm long and 1cm broad. Each bulb will usually produce two leaves. Each bulb produces a small white, rounded terminal flowers on a single stalk which are up to 2.5cm long and are scented of honey. Its roots are bulbs.
Galanthus gracilis , commonly known as the Slender Snowdrop, is native to south east Europe and Turkey. In its native habitat it grows in woodland and scrub communities. Galanthus gracilis is an important parent to may other snow drop cultivars.
The etymological root of the binomial name Galanthus is derived from the Greek gala meaning ‘milk’ and anthos meaning ‘flower’. Gracilis is from the Latin meaning ‘slender’.
The landscape architect may find Galanthus gracilis useful as an early flowering ground cover bulb. This bulb may be naturalised in areas of grass as they flower early and the leaves get a chance to photosynthesise before the grass starts its vigorous growth period during spring.
Ecologically, Galanthus gracilis is a valuable source of nectar and pollen during the winter months.
Galanthus gracilis prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Galanthus gracilis Flower (09/02/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Galanthus gracilis requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring while the plant is still in leaf. When naturalised in grass, its leaves should be allowed to wither before mowing.