Galanthus elwesii ‘Big Bertha’

A snowdrop that rather lives up to its name. ‘Big Bertha’ produces very large, rounded flowers held conspicuously upright above broad, grey-green leaves that sprawl almost horizontally at ground level. The outer tepals have distinctive dark green markings towards their tips, while the inner segments carry a strong green marking, giving the whole flower a particularly bold appearance. The contrast between the splayed foliage and upright flowers makes it immediately recognisable. Origin: Discovered in Lincolnshire by Gill Richardson, around 2004, among a bulk purchase of bulbs. It was subsequently selected and propagated as a particularly vigorous, large-flowered form. In the garden: A vigorous cultivar that flowers reliably and makes an excellent specimen or small colony. Best planted where the unusually large flowers can be appreciated close up—although ‘Big Bertha’ is not exactly difficult to spot. Height: 15–20cm Spread: 15–25cm Flowering: January–February Hardiness: H5 (−15 to −10°C) Aspect: Sun or partial shade Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained