About
Galanthus reginae-olgae, Queen Olga's snowdrop, is a distinctive autumn-flowering snowdrop producing narrow, strap-shaped, intense-green leaves each with a central greyish stripe. Flowers are produced in autumn before or just as the foliage appears, comprising slender white outer petals and inner petals with a prominent green, heart-shaped mark at the tip. One of the few snowdrops to bloom in autumn rather than late winter.
About the genus
Galanthus, the snowdrops, are dwarf bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped leaves and solitary, often honey-scented, nodding flowers with three white outer tepals and three shorter inner ones, usually marked with green. They flower in late winter and early spring and are among the most beloved harbingers of spring.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Native toSicily, Balkans
ToxicityHumans/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
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer, in sun or partial shade. See snowdrop cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in an open frame when ripe or by division when foliage dies back
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to narcissus bulb fly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to snowdrop grey mould