Galanthus nivalis “Lady Elphinstone”

This variation on the common double snowdrop was discovered at Heawood Hall in Cheshire in 1890, and has become a favourite with collectors who love their yellow snowdrops.

We find it does well here in Scotland. Bulbs establish well after transplanting and clumps are quick to bulk up.

Like other nivalis snowdrops, “Lady Elphinstone” prefers free draining but moisture retentive soil in the Spring when it is actively growing and flowering, but during the Summer dormancy will withstand quite dry conditions, whether that is shady or full sun.

Although it presents as yellow when established in the ground, the process of lifting and dividing can (but not always) cause flowers to revert to green markings. Once they are settled back in the ground the following year they are usually back to their pretty yellow selves.

What will you receive?

Depending on the time of year, you will receive either a: dormant bulbs, b: newly sprouting bulbs, c: snowdrops in flower, d: snowdrops “in the green”

The snowdrop is currently growing in its own pot and may or may not have bulb-lets attached, we do not separate these off – they will be included with the main bulb.

All bulbs will have most of the compost removed prior to posting – this minimises damage in posting and reduces weight so we can keep postage costs low.

The bulb will be wrapped in damp tissue/kitchen roll and plastic film, then boxed.

Please pot up or plant out as soon as you receive it.

Planting Tips

Dig a hole to the depth that the bulb was previous planted (where the leaves change from white to green) or slightly deeper, pop in the bulb, and firm the soil back around the bulb to ensure no air-pockets.

If your soil is prone to water logging incorporate plenty of grit or sand to the area around the bulbs as well as the planting hole.

If your soil is sandy and exceptionally free draining then mix leaf-mould or compost into the area around the bulbs as well as the planting hole.

If your borders are visited regularly by voles or moles, then we recommend planting in pond baskets so that the bulbs are neither lifted onto the surface of the soil, or buried too deep by their soil excavating habits.