Galanthus ‘E A Bowles’

One of the most remarkable and instantly recognisable of all snowdrops, ‘E.A. Bowles’ is an outstanding poculiform form of Galanthus plicatus, producing exceptionally large, perfectly formed flowers of remarkable purity. Unlike the usual snowdrop, all six floral segments are broad, rounded and equally developed, creating a wonderfully symmetrical, almost goblet-shaped flower. The blooms are substantial, pure white and attractively shouldered, held proudly above the characteristic broad, glossy green foliage of the species. Discovered in 2002 by snowdrop enthusiast Michael Myers at Myddelton House, Enfield, the former home of Edward Augustus Bowles (1865–1954), it was a particularly fitting tribute to one of Britain's most celebrated plantsmen and the man credited with coining the term 'galanthophile'. Its introduction caused considerable excitement, famously achieving £357 at auction in 2011. An excellent garden plant, best grown in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade, where it can gradually establish into impressive clumps. Height: 15–20 cm Spread: 10–15 cm Flowering: February–March (late season) Historical note: ‘E.A. Bowles’ received considerable publicity following its discovery and is now regarded as one of the classic poculiform snowdrops.