Galanthus woronowii

Galanthus woronowii is a close relative of G. nivalis. It has become rare in its original territories. It is part of the wild flora of the plains and mountains of Turkey, Georgia, and southern Russia. This small bulbous plant is essentially distinguished by the colour of its shiny foliage, which is a much brighter green without any trace of grey. The small green spots that adorn the tips of its petals also have a different shape. It is just as easy to grow and naturalise in the garden. Plant it before December, when it is dormant, and it will delight you with its pretty white bells from the end of January. It multiplies quickly and forms lovely clumps that disappear with the first warm weather. It can also be forced in a pot for Christmas flowering. Plant it near the house to admire it up close.

Galanthus woronowii is an herbaceous perennial bulbous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family. It forms a beautiful clump measuring 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in height, consisting of ribbon-like leaves, strongly sheathed at the base. They are fairly light green, very bright, shiny, and waxy in texture, diverging strongly from the stem over time, which is a characteristic of this species. The leaves are also folded forward. In February-March, depending on the climate, one or two stems are produced by each bulb. They each bear a 3cm (1in) wide flower, facing outwards from the clump and inclined towards the ground. The flowers are composed of a variable number of rounded airy white sepals, covering a small central white corolla. The outer part has a green U-shaped mark at the tip of the petals (not a V-shape like in G. nivalis). The interior is marked with green on the lower third of its surface. The flowers are slightly fragrant and nectar-rich. The foliage turns yellow, then disappears at the end of spring. Snowdrops produce seeds, as well as numerous bulblets that allow them to spread over time. The dispersal of seeds is mostly carried out by ants.

Snowdrops are part of the wild flora of our country. They convey an incredible power, as evidenced by the numerous legends associated with them; don't we say that spring is synonymous with the renewal of life? It will go well with Crocus chrysanthus, Christmas roses, and squills. It will thrive in a moist rockery, along with creeping bugle, Anthyllis montana 'Rubra', and a small, easy-to-grow fern called Blechnum penna-marina. These plants will occupy the space left by the snowdrops once their foliage has dried up, without suffocating the bulbs. It is ideal for light woodland, preceding the flowering of hellebores and corydalis. In cool climates, it tolerates sunny exposures at the edge of a border. It also grows very well in pots.