Galanthus plicatus
pleated snowdrop
A bulbous perennial to 20cm in height, with broad, grey-bloomed, dark green pleated leaves and solitary white flowers 2.5cm in length from late winter, the inner segments marked green at apex, sometimes also at base
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Green White | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Galanthus are dwarf bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped leaves, and solitary, often honey-scented, nodding flowers with 3 white outer tepals and 3 smaller inner ones often marked with green
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer in sun or partial shade. See snowdrop cultivation for further information.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in an open frame when ripe or by division when foliage dies back. Seed may not come true
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to narcissus bulb fly
Diseases
May be susceptible to snowdrop grey mould
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.