Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
Bulbs => Galanthus => Topic started by: Mariette on February 01, 2024, 07:32:52 PM
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Always my first yellow snowdrop to flower is ´Golden Fleece´ - a variety which clumps exceedingly well for me.
(https://up.picr.de/47025265oy.jpg)
Another one which clumps well in my garden is G. elwesii ´Green Eyes´ - most G. elwesii do not like to increase here.
(https://up.picr.de/47025304if.jpg)
Snowdrops start to take the garden over - an unnamed hybrid in the front, left behind ´Colossus´ and a somewhat more colossal seedling to the right.
(https://up.picr.de/47025266xv.jpg)
Close-up - the marks are not my cup of tea, but the size kept me from discarding it.
(https://up.picr.de/47025262in.jpg)
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Good to have snowdrops in bloom at this time Mariette, in my garden 'Colossus' will bloom in two weeks at the earliest.
I was surprised by the early flowering of the Galanhus gracilis I bought last autumn, strangely…
(https://i.imgur.com/5otIcvel.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/8dOyZMEl.jpg)
Galanhus gracilis
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I think it turned out to be a nice picture and I decided to show it to you.
(https://i.imgur.com/qr8OKut.jpg)
Galanthus nivalis ´Lady Putman´
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Lady Putman and Golden Fleece are impressive, pity that I cant secure the real thing.
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Indeed, a nice picture of dainty ´Lady Putman´, Stefan!
Jeff, ´Golden Fleece´ doesn´t set seed well, and I have still to test whether it´s viable. Really sorry You can´t get it over there!
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Very nice snowdrops! :)
'Lady Putnam' looks good, and 'Golden Fleece' is unique :), no wonder it was so expensive when it first came in the market.
All snowdrops grow so well in your garden Mariette. :) 'Green Eyes' has nice plump flowers.
'Colossus' is also here early, usually flowering inside the snow when it melts. One year it got damaged by cold and it hasn't increased well, but is still alive and flowering (at least was last spring).
I like how it stands tall.
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Not all snowdrops do well in my garden, Leena - for instance, ´Godfrey Owen´hardly flowers or increases, with ´E.A. Bowles´ it´s the same, though it flowers regularly. On sandy soils these varieties grow like mad, yet obviously dislike my heavy, wet soil.
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Always my first yellow snowdrop to flower is ´Golden Fleece´ - a variety which clumps exceedingly well for me.
(https://up.picr.de/47025265oy.jpg)
A very interesting snowdrop, even if I find the yellow on the snowdrop a bit strange. The yellow looks a bit unhealthy to me.
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Snowdrops with yellow receptacles are my favourites, as they provide an illusion of sunshine on a dull and rainy day like this, so often met with here at this time of the year. There are varieties which look sicklish to me, like ´Carolyn Elwes´with its yellowish tinged greyish leaves. "Yellow" snowdrops with green leaves have a much fresher look, like ´Golden Fleece´and ´Wendy´s Gold´, for instance. Therefore, I was happy when I noticed a yellow G. woronowii - seedling in my garden. :)
(https://up.picr.de/47032812ic.jpg)
Close-up
(https://up.picr.de/47032811dt.jpg)
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Is the intensity of the yellow colour influenced by light?
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I have never seen such a yellow woronowii, I like it. :) This light line on the leaves, is it from the play of light or does it really exist, it is not characteristic of the species.
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Unfortunately I can't compare it to the "regular" rizehensis because it won't flower this spring. The bulbs I bought a few years ago are quite weak.
(https://i.imgur.com/Omdiu48.jpg)
Galanthus rizehensis Tall Form
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Interesting to learn that there are tall forms, too! Mine are rather dainty snowdrops, this one bought from Avon Bulbs in Oirlich, where the late Günter Waldorf had organized the Schneeglöckchentage. I ordered it in advance, and obviously, it was a small clump dug fresh from their garden. Fond memories of events and people sadly gone by.
(https://up.picr.de/47045669ba.jpg)
This form hails from Sumela, the receptacles are decidedly paler.
(https://up.picr.de/47045683qy.jpg)
Today I was able to take a pic of my G. ikariae, given by a dear forumist and said to be quite hardy here in Germany. I was surprised that it shows such large, well-shaped flowers. In the past, G. woronowii was often sold as the rarer G. ikariae. With G. woronowii to the right, the difference is quite obvious: G. ikariae has matt, dark green leaves and a larger mark on the inners, whereas G. woronowii has bright green, shiny leaves. These are responsable for the reflection which might be taken as a white stripe on the pic of my yellow G. woronowii-seedling, Stefan.
(https://up.picr.de/47045679nl.jpg)
From the collection of the late Barbara and Eberhard Fluche I got this hybrid G. nivalis x ikariae, bred by Nicolas Top.
(https://up.picr.de/47045686cb.jpg)
Closer
(https://up.picr.de/47045688ht.jpg)
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I was happy when I noticed a yellow G. woronowii - seedling in my garden. :)
I have never seen such a yellow woronowii, I like it. :) This light line on the leaves, is it from the play of light or does it really exist, it is not characteristic of the species.
Modify message
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Is the intensity of the yellow colour influenced by light?
Yes, strong light helps with selections which may be greenish-yellow otherwise, but soil is also important, as well as the variety: some are better "yellows" than others.
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I have never seen such a yellow woronowii, I like it. :) This light line on the leaves, is it from the play of light or does it really exist, it is not characteristic of the species.
Modify message
Stefan, there is no light line on the leaves - the leaves are very shiny and reflected the sunlight when taking the pic.
´Elizabeth Harrison´ is a yellow G. woronowii of stronger growth, it´s the one to the right of G. ikariae, also later flowering than my chance seedling.
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Interesting to learn that there are tall forms, too! Mine are rather dainty snowdrops, this one bought from Avon Bulbs in Oirlich, where the late Günter Waldorf had organized the Schneeglöckchentage. I ordered it in advance, and obviously, it was a small clump dug fresh from their garden. Fond memories of events and people sadly gone by.
(https://up.picr.de/47045669ba.jpg)
Is this a picture of your Galanthus rizehensis? They seem to me to be quite tall plants. Galanthus rizehensis is a small plant 10-15 cm tall and the green markings on the inner petals are wider. Is it possible that Avon Bulbs made a mistake?
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(https://i.imgur.com/X1n9swp.jpg)
Galanthus reginae-olgae ssp vernalis
Only 5 cm tall :) I had to get really close for it to get that big.
(https://i.imgur.com/PWStYHC.jpg)
Galanthus fosteri
(https://i.imgur.com/hrtMgjb.jpg)
Elwesii without a name which I really like.
(https://i.imgur.com/izLF8NL.jpg)
Another unnamed elwesii, this one is bigger.
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(https://i.imgur.com/ulLNjAc.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/2MwB36s.jpg)
Galanthus 'Alpha Green Peacock'
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Your snowdrops and You enjoy a lot of sunshine - here it´s all storm and rain.
Is this a picture of your Galanthus rizehensis? They seem to me to be quite tall plants. Galanthus rizehensis is a small plant 10-15 cm tall and the green markings on the inner petals are wider. Is it possible that Avon Bulbs made a mistake?
Stefan, this snowdrop is less than 15 cm tall, the outers hardly 2 cm. As Avon Bulbs´ galanthus-specialist Alan Street sadly passed away and the nursery is about to close, there will be hardly an answer to Your question.
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Stefan, this snowdrop is less than 15 cm tall, the outers hardly 2 cm. As Avon Bulbs´ galanthus-specialist Alan Street sadly passed away and the nursery is about to close, there will be hardly an answer to Your question.
Sad news indeed - https://thedaffodilsociety.com/2023/12/avon-bulbs-plan-for-the-end-of-an-era/
and https://www.avonbulbs.co.uk/blog
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Not all snowdrops do well in my garden, Leena - for instance, ´Godfrey Owen´hardly flowers or increases, with ´E.A. Bowles´ it´s the same, though it flowers regularly. On sandy soils these varieties grow like mad, yet obviously dislike my heavy, wet soil.
For some reason also here 'Godfrey Owen' is doing poorly, and hasn't flowered after the first year. I thought I lost it, but last year there were some leaves. I bought another and planted it to a different spot, but neither that one is growing well. I have thought that maybe it is a too early variety to grow here and that is why it suffers. I will try and move to yet another bed.
'E.A.Bowles' did well for five years and then I divided it in 2020. After dividing it went downhill, except one bulb in another bed flowered last year and seems to increase, but the one in the original spot disappeared all together last year. :( I'm glad it is still alive in another spot.
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It is good to see a comparaison picture of woronowii and ikariae, the colour of the leaves are very different. Thank you. :)
From the collection of the late Barbara and Eberhard Fluche I got this hybrid G. nivalis x ikariae, bred by Nicolas Top.
This is very nice. It's leaves seem more green than nivalis which has blueish green leaves. Do you see ikariae in it's leaves?
Stefan, I like especially the nameless G.elwesii with round flowers and strong green inner marking, and how it's leaves are still short when it flowers.
Both your elwesii seem as good as any named ones. :)
Many time (at least my nameless ones) elwesii has big leaves giving the impression of a very "leafy" plant.
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Galanthus 'Alpha Green Peacock'
This looks different! :) I hope it clumps up well and then it will be something different.
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Yes, strong light helps with selections which may be greenish-yellow otherwise, but soil is also important, as well as the variety: some are better "yellows" than others.
I agree with Mariette, and I've also been wondering if in cold weather yellows get better colour than in warmer climates. Here all yellows which I have grown show good colour and they are my favourites.
Mariette, congratulations for your yellow woronowii-seedling. :)
I have had mixed results trying to grow G.woronowii. I have lost some in hard winters, and that is why I haven't yet dared to try 'Elisabeth Harrison'. Now I'm looking forward to seeing how woronowii bulbs planted last summer are going to flower this year. If they do well, then maybe I will try EH also someday.
I have bought G.ikariae 'Emerald Isle' in 2016, and it flowered the next year, but hasn't flowered since. It is alive as there have been leaves every spring, but it is not doing well.
It is a long winter this year, February seems to be colder than normal (like January was), and I think it will be April before snowdrops flower.
Ground frost is deep this year. It is now -9C, but tomorrow it will be -20 again.
Some of the snow melted last week when it was above zero, and this is what it looked like yesterday in my garden. Snowdrops are still asleep.
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I'm so glad to have this snowflake, finally. :)
(https://i.imgur.com/LDBNM6u.jpg)
Galanthus plicatus 'Wendy's Gold'
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Leena
I recall seeing on a US blog site, Carolyn's Shade Garden, a comment that the yellow intensity was more in her garden compared to the same varieties grown in the UK, she had visited many UK gardens growing galanthus.
This was put down to light intensity but maybe there is another explanation.
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Most galanthophiles in the USA garden on a latitude far south of the UK, which means their snowdrops enjoy much stronger light than in Britain. New York, for instance, shares the latitude with Rome. Also, snowdrops flower very early in the year in Britain, when the sun is rather low on the horizon. I was interested to read about Carolyn´s experiences, and that is what I thought might be an explanation.
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Is this G. elwesii unusual?
It came with a package of bulbs I planted last fall. All of the others look different (their green markings).
I don’t have much experience with snowdrops…
Several pictures attached.
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It is good to see a comparaison picture of woronowii and ikariae, the colour of the leaves are very different. Thank you. :)
Mariette, congratulations for your yellow woronowii-seedling. :)
I have had mixed results trying to grow G.woronowii. I have lost some in hard winters, and that is why I haven't yet dared to try 'Elisabeth Harrison'. Now I'm looking forward to seeing how woronowii bulbs planted last summer are going to flower this year. If they do well, then maybe I will try EH also someday.
Leena, the G. woronowii on the right to G. ikariae is ´Elizabeth Harrison´, a stouter plant than my seedling and later flowering. In this country, the later flowering ones are more reliable in colder areas. Though gardening in one of the mildest parts of Germany, there were some setbacks regarding G. woronowii in my garden in earlier years when winters were colder.
This is very nice. It's leaves seem more green than nivalis which has blueish green leaves. Do you see ikariae in it's leaves?
Yes, to me it looks like a hybrid, though I once asked for it just for the lovely green leaves. These are broader than those of G. nivalis usually are, it´s a very sturdy plant bulking and flowering prolifically in my garden. My clone of G. ikariae spent several years in the green-house and is now about 10 bulbs, yet just one flowering for the first time. I wonder whether it´s shy flowering or maybe should be treated in a different way.
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Is this G. elwesii unusual?
It came with a package of bulbs I planted last fall. All of the others look different (their green markings).
I don’t have much experience with snowdrops…
Several pictures attached.
Yes, the marks are very unusual - if they remain like that the next years it´s been a lucky dip. :)
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Leena, the G. woronowii on the right to G. ikariae is ´Elizabeth Harrison´, a stouter plant than my seedling and later flowering. In this country, the later flowering ones are more reliable in colder areas. Though gardening in one of the mildest parts of Germany, there were some setbacks regarding G. woronowii in my garden in earlier years when winters were colder.
Mariette, thank you for the clarification. :) I thought the yellow snowdrop in the left hand corner was EH, and didn't realize that buds in the one on the right are yellow until now. It looks very nice.
It is a pity that G.woronowii is not always reliably hardy, because it is very often (at least as often as G.elwesii) sold here in garden centers as dry bulbs in the autumn, so it can be a first snowdrop for many and then if it dies they think all snowdrops are not good to grow here. G.woronowii grows in such a big range in the wild that there surely are differences in hardiness also, so that is why it is so interesting to try different clones. :) I can't wait for the spring to see how my new ones are doing.
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The much awaited catalogue from North Green Snowdrops is now online, in the next week hard copies should be coming through your letterbox if you have ordered before. Sadly it begins:
“THIS IS OUR FAREWELL CATALOGUE valid until 1st
april 2024 and cancels all previous lists. To all our friends
and customers within the European Union, we very much regret
that due to the new regulations we are no longer able to send
snowdrops to countries within the EU and can only accept
orders from customers with an address within the United
Kingdom.”
http://www.northgreensnowdrops.co.uk
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In 2014 I bought a packet of Galanthus seeds from chilternseeds.co.uk, exactly 10 years later it flowered! 8)
(https://i.imgur.com/wYIuRyIl.jpg)
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For the second year, the most mature trojanus bulb blooms like this, very funny, isn't it ...
(https://i.imgur.com/Vng2PGGl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6WcQrv7l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ikU4HOUl.jpg)
Galanthus trojanus
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These two snowdrops are a native species of elwesii (graecus), very slow to form new bulbs, I've had one for 10 years at least.
(https://i.imgur.com/jNVSn0B.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uGqKtJa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/B3zZbNE.jpg)
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Stefan, you got very nice G.plicatus from seeds. :)
Your G.trojanus looks good with four petals, and they are also nicely shaped.
I think mine is not as "plump", but we'll see in couple of months. It is always one of the first ones to come up in spring, very early here even with cold and snow.
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Excellent talks today in Norfolk for the Hardy Plant Society meeting - our own Brian Ellis talking on Norfolk snowdrops, of which there are a surprising number, and Johan Mens came over from Belgium to astound us with pictures of snowdrops from the continent including his own breeding programme. 'My Green Darkness' was particularly noteworthy - an amazing deep green...
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(https://i.imgur.com/ZDZRSlul.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/E3tQtBJl.jpg)
GAlanthus 'Alpha Basset Hound'
And a completely unknown variety of virescent snowdrop.
(https://i.imgur.com/TxDcG90l.jpg)
Galanthus 'Naseweis'
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(https://i.imgur.com/1jEvZOwl.jpg)
Galanthus elwesii 'Kite'
(https://i.imgur.com/aSSCd7tl.jpg)
Galanthus 'Wasp'
(https://i.imgur.com/VUBOlLYl.jpg)
Galanthus plicatus 'Diggory'
(https://i.imgur.com/Dbg4DE0l.jpg)
Galanthus plicatus 'Augustus'
(https://i.imgur.com/Rf530Gsl.jpg)
Galanthus 'Fly Fishing'
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I have not seen Galanthus 'Naseweis' before. Those long green shoulders make it not entirely weis [white?] but very nase [nice?].
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"Naseweis" is a neat selection from Horst Bäuerlein. It's a slow, but reliable grower.
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"Naseweis" is a neat selection from Horst Bäuerlein. It's a slow, but reliable grower.
If you have your picture of this snowdrop, please post it, it will be interesting for me.
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I have not seen Galanthus 'Naseweis' before. Those long green shoulders make it not entirely weis [white?] but very nase [nice?].
I believe the name translates as "white nose"
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If you have your picture of this snowdrop, please post it, it will be interesting for me.
The picture you posted before is indeed "Naseweis". I have them in my collection (bought from Uwe Stiebritz); unfortunately, can't show you any pics of my "Naseweis" as the slugs had a feast on their flowers...
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I believe the name translates as "white nose"
It means indeed "white nose", but also is a play with words, as "Naseweis" in German means "Mr. Know-it-All"... :)
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It means indeed "white nose", but also is a play with words, as "Naseweis" in German means "Mr. Know-it-All"... :)
Ah, thank you!
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Ah, thank you!
And thank you from me, also.
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We have been a bit busy in the last few days (well it is snowdrops season!), but I would like to share this with you. I was sent a copy of the flier from Primrose Hill Gardens in Ireland which was of great interest. It lists snowdrops which have arisen there and been named by Robin Hall including one which is very well deserved - even though it is the last on the list. It looks to have nice long outers and claws which will show the mark whilst it is still in bud. Well deserved recognition for one of Ireland's leading galanthophiles, Paddy Tobin. Welcome to the snowdrop 'immortals'.
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Stefan, Your G. trojanus is very beautiful, I like this species very much but wonder, if it would stand the conditions in my garden. ´Naseweis´ is a very nice and unusual snowdrop, as is the name.
Brian, sad and good news from You! The unique catalogues of North Green Snowdrops will be missed, as well as the attractive and interesting varieties they offered.
Paddy Tobin is a deserved snowdrop enthusiast, and well worth giving his name to this lovely snowdrop! As long outers and claws are what I do favour in snowdrops, I may especially say so. ;) Thank You for Your informations!
By the way, an Irish snowdrop doing well in my garden, ´Kildare´.
(https://up.picr.de/47097689kr.jpg)
´Belvedere Gold´
(https://up.picr.de/47086903le.jpg)
The flowers of ´Wessex Titan´on the right are not especially large compared with ´Seagull´on the left.
(https://up.picr.de/47086904py.jpg)
Yet with´Wessex Titan´ in the background, ´Veronica Cross´looks diminutive.
(https://up.picr.de/47086906pi.jpg)
´Treasure Island´
(https://up.picr.de/47096632tm.jpg)
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Two seedlings.
(https://up.picr.de/47096636rb.jpg)
(https://up.picr.de/47096638df.jpg)
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We have been a bit busy in the last few days (well it is snowdrops season!), but I would like to share this with you. I was sent a copy of the flier from Primrose Hill Gardens in Ireland which was of great interest. It lists snowdrops which have arisen there and been named by Robin Hall including one which is very well deserved - even though it is the last on the list. It looks to have nice long outers and claws which will show the mark whilst it is still in bud. Well deserved recognition for one of Ireland's leading galanthophiles, Paddy Tobin. Welcome to the snowdrop 'immortals'.
What nice news - Paddy is a galanthophile of long-standing.
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Stefan, Your G. trojanus is very beautiful, I like this species very much but wonder, if it would stand the conditions in my garden. ´Naseweis´ is a very nice and unusual snowdrop, as is the name.
Mariette, mine G. trojanus growing under a lilac bush in brown forest soil, this soil has more sand than the clay soil you say you have in your garden. Snowdrop is not difficult to grow, in the summer I keep the soil moist, that's all.
To me, the bigger question is why does this snowdrop make four or five petals,
another year and I'm curious if his young bulbs will show this characteristic. But apparently no one in the forum has had such a problem..., I prefer it to bloom normally with three petals of the flower. I prefer not to exhibit these quirks.
And for the German varieties of snowdrops, I already have some wonderful varieties that I will show you these days :)
The two seedlings are very cute. 8)
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Thank You, Stefan!
It would be great if Your Galanthus trojanus would flower with 4 or 5 tepals every year! As it´s doing so for the second time, there is hope that this will be a constant feature. In the past, I´ve selected some snowdrops with 4 tepals, either G. nivalis, but ´Merlin´and ´S. Arnott´, also. Usually, they showed this feature only once. As Leena wrote, the additional tepal adds much to the attractiveness of Your G. trojanus!
I´m looking forward to see Your German varieties of snowdrops here! :)
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Matt Bishop's "in the green" list for this year is available from matt@mattbishopsnowdrops.co.uk
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Thank You, Stefan!
It would be great if Your Galanthus trojanus would flower with 4 or 5 tepals every year! As it´s doing so for the second time, there is hope that this will be a constant feature. In the past, I´ve selected some snowdrops with 4 tepals, either G. nivalis, but ´Merlin´and ´S. Arnott´, also. Usually, they showed this feature only once. As Leena wrote, the additional tepal adds much to the attractiveness of Your G. trojanus!
I´m looking forward to see Your German varieties of snowdrops here! :)
This is a photo from last spring.
(https://i.imgur.com/LElEJiel.jpg)
Galanthus trojanus
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I found these snowdrops growing wild the other day in Scotland. Anybody know what they are?
[attachimg=1]
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These are beautiful - nice to find something like that - lucky you
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I found these snowdrops growing wild the other day in Scotland. Anybody know what they are?
I think they were just restricted from sunlight, they will soon turn green. They look like G. 'Flore Pleno' to me.
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The snowdrops are in the open next to a river. The seed capsule is yellow.
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A beautiful snowflake by Gregor Jentsch.
(https://i.imgur.com/nAigxWJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oWSwH28.jpg)
Galanthus gracilis DD Virescent
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I think they were just restricted from sunlight, they will soon turn green. They look like G. 'Flore Pleno' to me.
I agree with Stefan.
Here it is very common that many snowdrops come up and start yellow, and this is mostly because of the cold weather when they are coming up. Later they will turn green as usual.
In warmer springs the same snowdrops are green like they should be.
Also if they are restricted of light by thick mulch or other vegetation (like in your picture), they can come up yellow.
If you follow this patch you will see it turning green in time.
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A beautiful snowflake by Gregor Jentsch.
Yes very beautiful, and so well photographed like all your snowdrops Stefan 8)
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Here are two examples from my garden last spring when normally green snowdrops come up yellow or olive green.
This is 'Trumps', 100% right plant, but yellow because of circumstances.
[attachimg=1]
This is 'Rosemary Burnham', also wrong colour last spring due to weather or mulch.
[attachimg=2]
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Yes very beautiful, and so well photographed like all your snowdrops Stefan 8)
Thanks ashley, I really enjoy watching the plants.
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This is ordinary G.nivalis in spring 2022 which was very cold here, and with this plant the colouration couldn't be because of mulch, so cold is the only explanation. Last spring the same snowdrops were green like they were before 2022.
[attachimg=1]
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Really interesting, and lovely photos Leena. I've had yellow due to mulch/mole activity but not I think cold, although Norfolk cold is probably not the same as yours...
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Any chance that light levels/intensity at a critical time would influence developing the yellow colour?
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Really interesting, and lovely photos Leena. I've had yellow due to mulch/mole activity but not I think cold, although Norfolk cold is probably not the same as yours...
Thank you Gail.
I thought about it more over night, and it can't be the cold in the air, because not all snowdrops turn yellow in cold weather, though maybe snowdrops here are more olive green than in more south. However, this yellowing is more after very cold and long winters when ground frost is very deep and ground stays frozen for a long time. Snowdrops come up even from frozen ground, and they come up yellow/yellowish and turn green later. So I started thinking that maybe cold in the soil is one factor, and it may depend also at which stage the snowdrops are coming up. Funnily when I look at pictures not the earliest (normally green) snowdrops turn yellow in some years, but a bit later ones like the ones in the pictures.
I can't say why this phenomenon is here in cold and late springs with deep ground frost, but I have experienced it many times, and some can be because of deep mulch (which I add to protect from ground freezing as deep as it would without it), but like G.nivalis in the picture, there is no mulch.
Jeff,
I don't know about light levels, how they are here compared to more southern countries, but actual yellow snowdrops are always good yellow here every year. I'm just talking about the yellowing of normally green snowdrops. :)
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Although I do not know much about the genus Galanthus; I hypothesize that the yellow pigmentation exhibited by some of the plant tissues might be the result of protective measures taken by some Galanthus species and hybrids when temperatures are very cold. The photoactive portion of the photosynthesis process is highly reductive: during the photoactive segment of photosynthesis chlorophyll molecules use light energy to reduce H2O to a flow of electrons (used in the NADPH production process), a gradient of protons (used by the ATP synthase), and oxygen molecules. If temperatures are too low for the electrons to be processed for the eventual production of NADPH, then the excessive energy needs to be dissipated in some way to protect the plant from tissue damage. In addition, the excessive oxygen needs to be released into the atmosphere through the stomata. Carotenoids (the yellow pigment) are imbedded in proximity to the chlorophyll molecules to protect plant tissues from damage during the photoactive segment of photosynthesis process. During cold weather some plants produce anthocyanins, especially on the bottom side of the leaves to dissipate excessive energy from the photoactive process as heat. This is easy to observe in species such as Phacelia stebbinsii during the early spring. In some Galanthus species and hybrids, chlorophyll production might be temporarily limited to protect the plant until temperatures begin to rise. I see this process take place with some plant species in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when they first emerge from the ground in the spring as the snow is melting but temperatures are still cold. Anyway, this is a very simplified explanation, however might be another idea worth considering.
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Although I do not know much about the genus Galanthus; I hypothesize that the yellow pigmentation exhibited by some of the plant tissues might be the result of protective measures taken by some Galanthus species and hybrids when temperatures are very cold. The photoactive portion of the photosynthesis process is highly reductive: during the photoactive segment of photosynthesis chlorophyll molecules use light energy to reduce H2O to a flow of electrons (used in the NADPH production process), a gradient of protons (used by the ATP synthase), and oxygen molecules. If temperatures are too low for the electrons to be processed for the eventual production of NADPH, then the excessive energy needs to be dissipated in some way to protect the plant from tissue damage. In addition, the excessive oxygen needs to be released into the atmosphere through the stomata. Carotenoids (the yellow pigment) are imbedded in proximity to the chlorophyll molecules to protect plant tissues from damage during the photoactive segment of photosynthesis process. During cold weather some plants produce anthocyanins, especially on the bottom side of the leaves to dissipate excessive energy from the photoactive process as heat. This is easy to observe in species such as Phacelia stebbinsii during the early spring. In some Galanthus species and hybrids, chlorophyll production might be temporarily limited to protect the plant until temperatures begin to rise. I see this process take place with some plant species in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when they first emerge from the ground in the spring as the snow is melting but temperatures are still cold. Anyway, this is a very simplified explanation, however might be another idea worth considering.
Robert, wow!
The science went a bit over my head, but seems a very likely explanation to what I have experienced. Thank you so much! :)
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Any chance that light levels/intensity at a critical time would influence developing the yellow colour?
I thought about this today, and still don't know the answer, but when snowdrops flower here in April, the day length here is 14,5 - 15,5 hours (April 1st - April 20th).
When snowdrops flower in London in February the day length there is 9 hours, I think.
So the day length is longer here when snowdrops are in flower.
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These were sold at a local grocery store for some £1.40/pot, labelled as Danish produced Galanthus nivalis... They're obviously not that, so what are they? Wild collected G. elwesii?
(https://i.imgur.com/f9tsYBB.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/akNqqr7.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8mk9vVW.jpeg)
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They're obviously not that, so what are they? Wild collected G. elwesii?
Yes, these are G. elwesii. But I don't think they are wild collected plants. You may notice that the green markings are different on individual plants. I am interested in the mechanism of this business, I hope it does not destroy nature...
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Turkey is allowed to export a prescribed number of Galanthus elwesii. These most probably go to Holland where they are potted and sold to retailers.
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Assume a large number.
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At least in part, the elwesii in Turkey (Türkiye) are "farmed" for export so the wild stocks are not obliterated. Botanist and galanthophile Andy Byfield was instrumental in setting-up such a scheme some years ago.
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Stefan, I trust Your Galanthus trojanus will remain as impressing as it was twice. Congratulations! :)
I do not remember a season as bad as this regarding the weather, rain and storm almost all the time. Most of the snowdrops are finished now, alas!
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Alan That is re assuring to know that a degree of sustainability applies.
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I want to show you some snowdrops without names from my garden.
(https://i.imgur.com/jRlR8Uam.jpg)
G. elwesii
(https://i.imgur.com/NgyF5Axm.jpg)
G. elwesii
(https://i.imgur.com/c9ThjdSm.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/6LT5zY5m.jpg)
G. elwesii
This gracilis is very changeable, every spring there are several surprises.
(https://i.imgur.com/YTfRsOZm.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/YexA09ym.jpg)
G. gracilis
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A few more
(https://i.imgur.com/MA6c399l.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/brrDfZol.jpg)
G. nivalis
(https://i.imgur.com/vVFLbwLm.jpg)
G. nivalis
(https://i.imgur.com/riiQpjdm.jpg)
G. nivalis ??
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I want to show you some snowdrops without names from my garden.
(https://i.imgur.com/jRlR8Uam.jpg)
G. elwesii
(https://i.imgur.com/NgyF5Axm.jpg)
G. elwesii
(https://i.imgur.com/c9ThjdSm.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/6LT5zY5m.jpg)
G. elwesii
Stefan, the first one has a beautiful mark! And the one in front of the second picture shows just the dainty marks I like! Is the split mark stable? The last G.e. have a very nice balloon-form, resembling ´Diggory´, very attractive!
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And a few varieties with names, but little known.
(https://i.imgur.com/btSyzfbl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oT1EoTol.jpg)
Galanthus 'Wifi Schapeau'
(https://i.imgur.com/OFb5DuUl.jpg)
Galanthus nivalis 'Grünschleier'
(https://i.imgur.com/r4peJf3.jpg)
Galanthus 'Möwe'
(https://i.imgur.com/YajwE3h.jpg)
Galanthus Broad Leaves Convolute
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Stefan, the first one has a beautiful mark! And the one in front of the second picture shows just the dainty marks I like! Is the split mark stable? The last G.e. have a very nice balloon-form, resembling ´Diggory´, very attractive!
Yes it is stable, I like it a lot too because the green mark is like out of focus. :o
(https://i.imgur.com/n9JUGQAl.jpg)
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This seagull (Möwe) really flies :)
(https://i.imgur.com/9dp0Marl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Do0CljMl.jpg)
Galanthus 'Möwe'
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Stefan, really nice to see snowdrops flowering in sun. You are having a good weather for them now. :)
Observing nameless ones is fun, and you have some very nice ones there. I especially liked the balloon shaped flower.
'Wifi Schapeau' is nice and how wonderful it must be with so many snowdrops flowering now.
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Yes, Stefan, You´re really lucky not only to have beautiful and interesting snowdrops, but matching weather, too. ´Broad Leaf Convolute´ is a very handsome one, do You know where it comes from?
In my garden, the very last snowdrops are in flower now. There were early G. woronowii, and there are late ones, too.
(https://up.picr.de/47180464kt.jpg)
Marred by bad weather, a poculiform G. nivalis.
(https://up.picr.de/47174528xf.jpg)
A seedling I like.
(https://up.picr.de/47174525px.jpg)
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Stefan, really nice to see snowdrops flowering in sun. You are having a good weather for them now. :)
Observing nameless ones is fun, and you have some very nice ones there. I especially liked the balloon shaped flower.
'Wifi Schapeau' is nice and how wonderful it must be with so many snowdrops flowering now.
Thanks Leena, indeed, this winter, the weather is unusually warm and sunny for me. It is good for our mood and for the flowering plants.
(https://i.imgur.com/Dzb4z6Sm.jpg)
Looking forward to your sunny photos soon! :)
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Yes, Stefan, You´re really lucky not only to have beautiful and interesting snowdrops, but matching weather, too. ´Broad Leaf Convolute´ is a very handsome one, do You know where it comes from?
Thanks Mariette, I've noticed that when it's raining at your place it's sunny at my place and vice versa. :) It's so dry with me that I have to water small parts of the garden almost every other day. This is very worrying for me, what will I do in the summer if this dry weather continues….
A few years ago I bought it from BÄUERLEINS, I was also interested to know about its history and I wrote to Mr. Bäuerlein Horst, this is what he replied:
Hallo Herr Bankov,
zu der Geschichte von diesem Glöckchen kann ich folgendes sagen:
Diese Pflanze wurde vor ca 20 Jahren von Gisela Schmiemann aus England mitgebracht und unter diesem Namen weiter verbreitet.
Frau Schmiemann hat es von Mrs Elisabeth Parker-Jervis erhalten, der weitere Ursprung ist leider nicht mehr nachvollziehbar.
Mit besten Grüßen
Bäuerlein Horst
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A seedling I like.
(https://up.picr.de/47174525px.jpg)
It really looks very elegant.
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Thank You for Your information concerning ´Broad Leaf Convolute´! Also for Your kind comment on my seedling - I´m afraid such elegantly shaped snowdrops are definitely my favourites! :)
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Looking forward to your sunny photos soon! :)
This year snowdrop season will be late here, April I think. There is still snow everywhere and ground frost is deep, so it slows down snowdrops. :)
The past four months have been colder than usual, and in spite of a warmer week now, the rest of March will be again colder than normal, or it is predicted to be. :(