North Green Snowdrops 2 0 1 8 C AT A L O G U E
Front cover image: ‘Castle Eye Shadow’ (see page 26)
North Green Snowdrops 2018 E S TA B L I S H E D 1 9 8 4
kkkkk N o rT h g r e e N o N ly, s To v e N, B e c c l e s , N r 3 4 8 D g . g r e aT B r i Ta i N . ©John Morley 2018
T
is valid until 1st april 2018 and cancels all previous lists. as there are never enough snowdrops to meet the demand, especially of the recently named cultivars, please place your order as soon as possible aer receipt of your catalogue. We regret we are no longer able to offer customers the option of “alternatives” as this causes problems, which are very time consuming to sort out. although there is no short list in this year’s catalogue several of the snowdrop varieties on offer are restricted to strictly one bulb per customer. however, despite these measures, we are afraid that every year there are customers who will be disappointed at not receiving their order in full. We sell best quality snowdrop bulbs “in the green” dispatched aer flowering in March/april or sometimes earlier. Plants supplied are believed to be correctly named. h i s c aTa l o g u e
–1–
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
cash with order: credit/Debit card (see order form) or ''limited cheque'' (i.e. instead of filling in the exact amount on your cheque, write between crossed lines ''amount not to exceed...'' followed by the maximum amount of your order including the cost of postage and packing). We very much regret that we are no longer able to accept cheques made out for the full amount and orders accompanied with cheques made out in full will regretfully be returned. Please add £4.95 to all orders towards the cost of First class postage and packing (eu and europe add £10). cheques should be made payable to North green snowdrops. you will be sent a detailed account and receipt. Please use the order form and print your name and address clearly. Please note that orders will be dealt with in strict rotation and may be delayed if these instructions are not followed. Please note that there is no telephone number for North green snowdrops. Snowdrops.e much acclaimed and indispensable monograph of cultivated galanthus by Matt Bishop, aaron Davis and John grimshaw has been reprinted and is available from the rhs book shop or by post via www.rhs.org.uk Daffodil, Snowdrop and Tulip Yearbook 2017. Published in association with the royal horticultural society at £11.95. is authoritative, illustrated annual includes a very significant coverage of snowdrops. available as a special offer to snowdrop enthusiasts for £9.50 from Mr J. gibson, Dept. Ng, 14 Waverley road, Kettering. NN15 6NT cheques made payable to the royal horticultural society or €15. We highly recommend this publication.
–2–
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
Back issues of our snowdrop catalogues together with secondhand and antiquarian gardening and botanical books, including the rare stern monograph, are available from Besley's Books. Tel. 01502 675649. limited edition prints of the original cover paintings from our previous catalogues are published by Dot rouge ltd. is series of signed and numbered prints has been produced using archival materials and the very latest printing technology resulting in amazing quality and stunning colour reproduction. www.dotrouge.co.uk e-mail steve@dotrouge.co.uk. snowdrops like to grow in fairly deep, well-drained friable soil in sun or light shade. When planting, a good dusting of bone meal and a handful of extra coarse sharp sand around each bulb will help to keep away disease. if snowdrops are le undisturbed for too long they could begin to “go back” which means fewer bulbs will flower and they could be more prone to disease. in some cases, the whole clump may die out. ey should therefore be lied about every three years. More frequent liing is recommended where there is no sign of increase. clumps should be carefully teased apart and replanted. a surface dressing of bone meal should be given in early autumn and a thin mulch of garden or mushroom compost applied in December will help improve the look of the flowers. one of the great pleasures in gardening is viewing snowdrops on a warm day in winter; the sun at this time of year is very low in the sky and can be blindingly bright. remember therefore to plant your snowdrops so that you can look at them with the sun behind you.
–3–
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
We are most grateful to Jim almond, richard Bashford, Matt Bishop, ian christie, Brian ellis, hagen engelmann, Jon evans, eric Fisher, Doug Joyce, David King, Janet lecore, cyril lafong, rod and Jane leeds, Marianne Majerus, e National collection of Margaret and David Maclennan, Bennet smith, Wol and sue staines and Paddy Tobin for all their help and for generously allowing us to use their lovely photographs. a very big thank you to steve edwards who has designed the beautiful catalogue, Matt Bishop for proof reading and much good advice and rosie steele for all her wonderful and invaluable help with our catalogue over many years. “For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come.” song of solomon. ‘Blewbury Tart’ – curious but by no means without great charm.
–4–
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
1 . S E R I E S Ga l a n T h u S : leaves greyish (semi-glaucous or glaucescent), flat against each other with their margins either flat (applanate), or folded or rolled back (explicative or revolute). ese species are mainly confined to Europe. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
G. nivalis: the common snowdrop naturalised in many parts of Britain and native to much of europe. e leaves are flat against each other (applanate) at the base and the edges are flat or almost so. We offer the following cultivars:
‘cinderella’ – a very dainty green tipped flower
‘Anglesey Abbey’: this snowdrop was found by graham omas at anglesey abbey. e flowers show a strong tendency to “poculiform” which means that the inner segments have little or no green shading on them and are of a similar length to the outer ones, giving the whole flower a remarkably white appearance against the strong green leaves. (snowdrops, (2001) p.84)......... £10.00
‘Cinderella’: a charming, small inverse poculiform snowdrop (where the outer segments are shaped and marked like inner segments) with a very dainty green-tipped flower reminding us of G. nivalis 'Fée clochette' although somewhat smaller in stature. Found growing in woodland near Dundee by ian christie and originally named G. nivalis ‘Tinkerbell’; a name already found to be in use and changed thenceforth! ..................................................................... £55.00
‘Blewbury Tart’: a delightful, rather upright snowdrop found by alan street in Blewbury, oxfordshire. e outward facing flowers hover like little green tartlets above the leaves. curious but by no means without great charm. (snowdrops, p.120) .......... .................... £10.00
‘Flocon de Neige’: one of the most beguiling double-flowered snowdrops. Perfectly symmetrical flowers with six equally spaced, all-white outer segments. Quite enchanting and most memorable, especially when fully opened. Much loved at North green. (snowdrops, (2001) p.114)................... £35.00
–5–
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
Poculiformis Group ‘Swan Lake’: a very beautiful and aptly named snowdrop, found by cyril lafong. it is both reliable and with most excellent qualities. very few to spare. .................................................................... £75.00 Sandersii Group ‘Chatton’: a very fine member of the golden sandersii group with the usual yellow ovary and markings on the inner segments but distinct from the others in that it reliably forms a handsome clump. is snowdrop is an exceptionally good doer! ................................................................... £70.00
‘la Bohème’
‘La Bohème’: one of our finest introductions; the whole snowdrop is bathed in a glowing lime-green and yellow light. Five to eight distinct yellow limegreen parallel lines on the outer segments, a yellowish ovary and a darker inner segment marking like a cavalier moustache curling towards the ovary embrace a distinct golden glow that intensifies and deepens with age. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. .................... £90.00 Poculiformis Group ‘Annielle’: a superb poculiform snowdrop, found by cyril lafong, needing time to settle before showing its truly wonderful qualities. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. .................... £75.00
‘chatton’ – Reliably forms a handsome clump
–6–
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
Sandersii Group ‘Woodpeckers’: we are most grateful to the late Margaret owen for this exceptionally vigorous and prolific yellow-marked snowdrop. originating at Woodpeckers, the cox's lovely garden, at Bidford-on avon.. .............. .................... £55.00
G. plicatus: a vigorous and variable species. e leaves have a prominent central channel and their edges are strongly folded or turned under (plicate). e markings on the inner segments are extremely variable. We offer the following cultivars:
y G. reginae-olgae: the first snowdrop to flower, usually in october or November, and oen before the leaves appear. e leaves show a characteristic silver stripe down the centre. Prefers a sunny position. ‘Sofia’: one of the finest cultivars of the species. a tall, strong-growing, autumnflowering snowdrop with widely opening paddle-shaped outer segments and a large, rounded mark on the inner segments. e leaves are absent at flowering time. a welcome addition to the late-flowering, old year snowdrops. One bulb per customer. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... ................... £25.00
‘sofia’ – one
of the finest cultivars of the species.
‘amy Doncaster’ – a perfectly proportioned snowdrop
‘Amy Doncaster’ Pc 2014: described as one of the most beautiful forms of G. plicatus grown today. a perfectly proportioned snowdrop with distinct green shading on the outer segments. a strongly notched inner segment marking with a clean ribbon edge, gently shading towards the rounded ovary. given to us by the late amy Doncaster herself who, shortly before her hundredth birthday, requested that she be remembered by this, the best of her snowdrops. rare, choice and in very short supply. ..................... £40.00
–7–
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Baxendale’s Late’: a reliably late-flowering G. plicatus which blooms at the end of the season when most other snowdrops have finished. a fairly vigorous plant of good substance to extend the season. (snowdrops, p.142) ................................ £5.00 ‘Blue Trym’: an outstanding G.plicatus ‘Trym’ seedling from the late Margaret owen which she herself named, with the most extraordinary blue-green leaves; this lovely snowdrop is both delightful and intriguing. Much admired in the garden here at North green. ......................... £120.00
‘colossus’ – a lovely tall, large, early-flowering snowdrop
‘Diggory’ aM 2009: perennially one of the most desirable of all snowdrops. e outer segments remain tucked under, even as the flower matures and expands, giving this snowdrop its unique and instantly recognisable shape. From rosie steele. (snowdrops, (2001) p.147) ................ £20.00
‘Blue Trym’ – most extraordinary
blue-green leaves ‘Colossus’: a lovely tall, large, earlyflowering snowdrop from colesbourne in gloucestershire. Wide greenish leaves with a grey central panel. Narrow dark green vshaped marking on the inner segment. a vigorous and easy to grow garden plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... ................... £10.00
‘E. A. Bowles’ aM 2012: unique among snowdrops this is the first known poculiform G. plicatus. Discovered by Michael Myers in the garden of the late e. a. Bowles at Myddelton house and named aer him. above the broad, upright, glaucous-green leaves is the crowning glory of this magnificent snowdrop: a large, full flower with six immaculate, pure white segments all of equal length. an outstanding garden plant and it is scented! .......... £55.00
–8–
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Eric Fisher’: a stunning large 4×4 found by eric Fisher in the garden here at North green in 2010. certainly a very large G. plicatus, with long, broad leaves, reliably producing flowers with four generous outer segments and a good green bold marking on the inner segments. ........... ................... £90.00 ‘Madelaine’: we are grateful to Joe sharman for this excellent cultivar. closely related to G. plicatus ‘Wendy’s gold’ with similar pale yellow colouring but differing in having a slightly smaller marking on the inner segment. however, the outstanding feature of this snowdrop is its vigour and very strong constitution; the strongest of the group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... ................... £20.00
‘Madelaine’
‘Priscilla Bacon’ – large flowers with very distinct puckering
‘Priscilla Bacon’: an outstanding lateflowering snowdrop found in the garden of the late Priscilla Bacon towards the end of the Millennium snowdrop season. is wonderful find is almost certainly a seedling from the "henham snowdrops" (which also included such treasures as G. plicatus 'ree ships' and G. plicatus 'henham No. 1') that grew in the deep leaf-litter under the now famous cork oak in the demolished garden at henham. large flowers with very distinct puckering to the outer segments form a delightful combination with the handsome plicate leaves. Fittingly named to commemorate a dedicated and much loved plantswoman. ........................................ £40.00 –9–
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Vera Trum’: exceedingly wide Veratrumlike leaves with very upright scapes bearing large puckered flowers. e inner segments are similar to those of G. plicatus ‘ree ships’ which is not surprising as they were found growing only a few feet apart. a plant of quality. One bulb per customer. (snowdrops, p.151) .......... ................... £35.00
‘Winter green’ – much admired and loved
‘Winter Green’: a somewhat puckered flower with a single basal mark belies the exceptional quality of this rare, green-leaved G. plicatus. e colour of the very shiny, wide green leaves, strongly grooved along the margins, agrees best with scheele’s green 860/1 in the r.h.s. colour chart! grown in the garden here for many years, much admired and cherished.............. £85.00
y ‘vera Trum’ – exceedingly wide Veratrum-like leaves – 10 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
2 . S E R I E S l aT i F o l i i : leaves emerging either flat against each other (applanate), or with the outer leaf rolled or wrapped round the inner leaf (supervolute or convolute). Where flat (applanate) leaves either grey (glaucous) or green, rarely inbetween. e species in this series are found mainly in Turkey and the Caucasus and are divided into two subseries.
2A. SUBSERIES GlauCaEFolii: leaves grey. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
G. elwesii: an extremely variable species with grey leaves, hooded at the top and rolled or wrapped around each other at the base (supervolute or convolute). is species now encompasses plants grown for many years in gardens as G. caucasicus (sic.). We offer the following cultivars: ‘Anglesey Orange Tip’: a really sensational snowdrop with so orange suffused outer segments, the colour strong in bud but soening as the season progresses. Broad green inverted u-shaped mark on the inner segment. We are delighted to offer this most desirable collectors’ item from anglesey abbey. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................. £55.00
‘Beanie’: a tall, shapely, large flowered snowdrop of good substance. e outer segments have green tips composed of between ten to twelve lines converging to a somewhat pinched tip. e bold green mark, more than covers half the inner segment and neatly follows the contours. Much admired although slow to increase. One bulb per customer ...................... £60.00 ‘Galadriel’: we are most grateful to Beth chatto for this very fine, later-flowering snowdrop. stately flowers with a unique strong green y-mark extending halfway along the inner segment shading to a bright yellowish-green towards the tail of the y. e leaves are distinctly pointed reminding us, somewhat, of G. elwesii ‘cedric’s Prolific’ to which it is most probably related. a quite outstanding snowdrop of real quality. ................................................................... £15.00
‘galadriel’ – a unique strong green Y-mark
– 11 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Godfrey Owen’ Fcc (2011): this outstanding snowdrop has been described as one of the most distinct snowdrop discoveries of recent times. it is remarkable in that it has a double row of outer and inner segments. When fully opened the symmetrical arrangement of the six outer segments is exquisite. Found by the late Margaret owen in the mid 1990s and named aer her late husband. (snowdrops, (2001) p.205). . . . . . .............. .................... £15.00
‘green eyes’ – two large, round, very distinct green eyes.
‘godfrey owen’ – one of the most distinct snowdrop discoveries of recent times
‘Green Eyes’: of all the green-leaved cultivars this highly desirable and outstanding snowdrop is considered to be, by far, the best. e large elegantly shaped flowers on tall straight stems are held well above the arching leaves. e usual green, v-shaped marking on the inner segment is accompanied by two large, round, very distinct green eyes. another covetable treasure from anglesey abbey. One bulb per customer. ........................................ £40.00 – 12 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
Hiemalis Group ‘Hoggets Narrow’: considered here to be by far the finest and most desirable of all the autumn-flowering snowdrops in the hiemalis group. e inner segments have a good green, rounded, inverted v marking and measure just a third of the length of the very striking, exceptionally long and narrow outer segments. When the flower is mature, the anthers shine through giving a delightful so-orange glowing bar between the inverted v-mark and the long narrowlyconical pointed ovary; a show stopper even at the height of the season! hoggets was the name of the garden of the late Terry Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. .................... £65.00 ‘hoggets Narrow’ – the finest and most
desirable of all the autumn-flowering snowdrops in the group Hiemalis Group ‘Peter Gatehouse’: oen appearing in November and one of the earlier flowering forms of G. elwesii. a distinctly upright, olive- green snowdrop with a narrowly condensed, elongated X-shaped marking. originating from the garden of the late Peter gatehouse of Tenterden, Kent, who gave bulbs to Washfield Nursery in about 1994. (snowdrops, (2001) p.187) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................. £10.00
‘Peter gatehouse’ – a distinctly upright, olivegreen snowdrop with a narrowly condensed, elongated X-shaped marking.
‘John Tomlinson’: a fine large flowered G. elwesii with a broad, olive-green, heartshaped marking on the inner segment and matching green tips on the outer segments. a plant of some quality flowering from the New year onwards. One bulb per customer. (snowdrops, (2001) p.175) ............... £15.00 ‘Jonathan’: only limited information about this exceptional snowdrop was available when the great monograph 'snowdrops' was written in which it was, unfortunately, only briefly mentioned underneath the description for G. elwesii 'grumpy'. unlike G. elwesii 'grumpy' the outer segments have green tips and the basal markings on the inner segments are fused rather than separate, but the apical heart-shaped marking is similar. however, the great glory of this snowdrop is that the usual white of the inner segments is transformed into a magnificent, golden-orange glow. is splendid snowdrop may need to be well settled before these characteristics appear. it was found in North yorkshire by Michael Myers in 2000. (snowdrops, (2001) p.202) ............... £20.00
– 13 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Jubilee Green’: found in the garden here at North green this snowdrop is distinct in having leaves of a striking lettuce-green. e flower has a well defined X-shaped marking. ‘Jubilee green’ was named to commemorate twenty five years of North green snowdrops. a lovely snowdrop................................. £15.00
‘Margaret’s Star’: given to us by the late Margaret owen towards the end of the 1990s around the same time as the not dissimilar, though smaller, G. elwesii ‘godfrey owen’. a newly planted bulb may produce either three, four or five outer segments, but once settled, its true potential is most evident when the five beautifully symmetric outer segments form a perfect star: a lovely combination with the bluegrey leaves. One bulb per customer. ................................................................ £100.00
‘Margaret owen’ – looks magnificent in a clump
‘Margaret Owen’: Margaret herself with her usual eagle-eye and ever exacting criteria for an outstanding plant, homed-in on a stand of this fine snowdrop during a visit to ray cobb’s Nottinghamshire garden. it was considered to be a seedling from the nearby clump of G. elwesii ‘Brian Mathew’ which has a similar inner segment marking with little or no sinus notch and a large very pronounced v- shaped green mark. however the most wonderful defining attribute of this mid to late-flowering snowdrop is that it looks magnificent in a clump and it was much admired and coveted by all who attended the farewell party for Margaret at “e Patch”, when it was in full bloom. One bulb per customer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................. £35.00
‘Margaret’s star’
‘Mrs Macnamara’ (syn. ‘Milkwood’): this excellent, early-flowering snowdrop originated from the mother-in-law of Dylan omas: Mrs Macnamara (please note correct spelling). a tall, stately plant flowering in December when there are few other large snowdrops in bloom. is is the favourite of all our early-flowering cultivars at North green. outstanding. (snowdrops, p.177) ............................. £10.00
– 14 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Reverend Hailstone’: a large and robust early-flowering hybrid with exceptionally long flowers. e outer segments are particularly narrow and about twice the length of the inner segments which have distinct pale-green, v-shaped markings. a rather special snowdrop originating from anglesey abbey. One bulb per customer. ................................................................... £10.00 ‘Mrs Macnamara’ – a tall stately plant
‘Nathalie Garton’: a beautiful, larger, wideleaved snowdrop with a perfect heart-shaped mark on the inner segment. is splendid snowdrop can produce one or two additional inner segments. a most lovely plant.. . . . . . . . . . ................................... £15.00 ‘remember, remember’ – our beautiful novemberflowering snowdrop
‘Selborne Green Tips’: this delightful, early-January flowering, snowdrop was found over thirty years ago by the late David and ruby Baker in the village of selborne, hampshire, but is still a surprisingly rare plant. e outer segment is green tipped and there are two separate bold green markings on the inner segment. With regular division and good cultivation this snowdrop will reliably produce two perfectly formed flowers from a single scape. e bulbs you receive from us may not show two heads, having only just been divided. as usual patience is required! (snowdrops, (2001) p.198)...................................................... £15.00
‘Remember, Remember’ (syn. ‘November Merlin’): our beautiful November-flowering snowdrop probably derived from one of the hiemalis group with a deeply green shaded inner segment reminding us of G. ‘Merlin’. oen in flower by the 5th November. is snowdrop is best suited to a sheltered position in full sun. (snowdrops, p.192) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................. £20.00 – 15 –
‘selborne green Tips’ – still a surprisingly rare plant
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Yvonne Hay’ (syn. G. elwesii 'Maximus'): we are grateful to the late harry hay for this lovely snowdrop of huge proportions, which originated in his garden at Margery hall Pig Farm, surrey and which he later named aer his wife. e flowers are described as being ''of respectable dimensions''; aaron Davis, described it as a ''Monster''. it has very broad leaves and huge bulbs which do not respond well to twin scaling. in a warm room the outer segments rise up and reveal a large and perfect inverted heart-shaped mark on the inner segments. a very distinct snowdrop. (snowdrops, (2001) p.190). .............. £30.00 G. woronowii: broad glossy-green leaves emerging with outer leaf rolled or wrapped around the inner leaf (supervolute or convolute); oen forming large clumps. inner segment with single marking towards the apex which is distinctly smaller than that of G. ikariae. Flowering in main season. We offer the following cultivars: ‘Cider with Rosie’: an interesting snowdrop found by Kevin Mincheu, a cider maker, in his local garden centre near Tewksbury. is snowdrop has a good crescent-shaped marking around the apex of the outer segment and a well defined tooth-shaped mark around the sinus notch on the inner segment. one of only a few inverse poculiform G. woronowii cultivars to have been found so far. ............. ................... £45.00
‘cider with rosie’ – one of only a few inverse poculiform G. woronowii
‘Elizabeth Harrison’ aM 2012: ian christie’s relatively newly discovered and already much talked about snowdrop from scotland. is is the first ever G. woronowii to be found with distinctly yellow marked flowers and in 2011 realised the highest price then recorded for a snowdrop! One bulb per customer. ..................... £75.00
Hybrids – Single ×allenii: a flower of good substance with characteristic strong scent of bitter almonds. unlike any other snowdrop, the leaves are pewter-coloured, the outer leaf being wrapped round the inner at the base and rather short at flowering time. it thrives here in a damp situation. a robust plant if it likes you but slow to increase. Now considered a hybrid. ..................................................... £15.00
– 16 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Belvedere Gold’ (×valentinei ): a very vigorous and prolific snowdrop with a rich yellow single mark on the inner segment, this colouration extends more or less to the ovary, pedicel and scape. e leaves are a light yellowish-green. is very desirable hybrid originated in the garden of the late gisela schmiemann in cologne. gisela was also well known for her interest in hellebores and for acquiring the helen Ballard helleborus collection......... £85.00
‘Bloomer’ – a very desirable snowdrop with a pale yellowish-green ovary
‘Belvedere gold’ – a very vigorous and prolific snowdrop with a rich yellow single mark
‘Bloomer’: a very distinct, double scaped snowdrop (when mature) found growing within a clump of G .‘Tubby Merlin’ in the garden here at North green. one or two bulbs were distributed as G. ‘Tubby Merlin’ until the “bloomer” was discovered! a very desirable snowdrop with a pale yellowishgreen ovary and a large green mark on the inner segment, shading to yellowish-green. affectionately referred to in the garden here as “Frilly Knickers” due to the distinctly frilly margins of the inner segments. early-flowering, choice and scarce. One bulb per customer. ........ £25.00
– 17 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘castlegar’– a pre-Christmas snowdrop
‘Castlegar’: a most delightful and welcome December-flowering snowdrop originating on the Mahon estate, castle galway on the west coast of ireland. e substantial flower is well presented on a longish pedicel and has a distinct, sharply defined v-shaped marking. e wonderful free-flowering nature and steady increase make this a very welcome edition to the pre-christmas snowdrops. a cheering sight in the garden here at North green. ........................... £20.00
‘chris Peer’
‘cicely hall’ - truly exceptional
‘Chris Peer’ (×valentinei): a rather extraordinary G. plicatus 'Trym' seedling found by the late Margaret owen in her garden; always referred to as ''e Patch''. she herself regarded this snowdrop highly and named it aer a gardener friend and helper at ''e Patch''. it is of compact habit and small stature, the leaves are held at forty five degrees with a slight twist but the most intriguing and unusual feature about this snowdrop is that the outer segments are flattened with a concave oval in the centre containing the green mark. Margaret was most anxious that we should propagate and distribute this snowdrop. ................................................................ £100.00
– 18 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Cicely Hall’ (syn. 'Primrose hill special', 'e stalker'): we are most grateful to elizabeth strangman for this truly exceptional snowdrop from Primrose hill, lucan, ireland. Described by Matt Bishop as an amazingly sturdy-looking G. 'Merlin'like plant. late flowering, quite large and giving the impression of a much improved G. 'Merlin' having better proportions and heavier substance and very deep outer segments whose margins curl strongly inwards. all green inner segments which show what is probably the largest sinus of any cultivar. a most beautiful plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. .................... £20.00 ‘Curly’ (×valentinei): an intriguing hybrid found in the early 1960s by richard Nutt and herbert ransom in the garden at hyde lodge, gloucestershire. e narrow leaves are unique in that they are strongly recurved on first appearing and remain so giving this beautiful snowdrop its name. e very fragrant, green-tipped flowers have a particularly fine X-shaped mark with paler shading to the base. late-flowering. (snowdrops, (2001) p.277). .............. £10.00
‘Ding Dong’ – a fine upstanding snowdrop
‘Ding Dong’: a fine upstanding late January-flowering snowdrop with distinctively long, very slender outer segments; claw-like towards the tip. e two-tone inner segment markings and ovary are of a similar olive-green. is snowdrop can produce three wide glaucous leaves when well grown and oen two scapes. Named by alan street of avon Bulbs. (snowdrops, (2001) p.251)
‘early to rize’– early-flowering
‘Early to Rize’: discovered in the garden here at North green. From the characteristics of its leaves, it is possibly a hybrid between G. elwesii hiemalis group and G. rizehensis. is fine snowdrop is conspicuous for its early-flowering which consistently starts well before christmas and continues into the New year. (snowdrops, (2001) p.244) ................................................................... £25.00
– 19 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Fly Fishing’: an early-flowering snowdrop originally selected by alan street of avon Bulbs. as described by alan it has one of the longest pedicels of any snowdrop giving it an extraordinary elegance that eclipses even that of G. ‘Magnet’ and G. ‘galatea’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. .................... £25.00
‘glenchantress’– six strong lines towards the apex of the outer segments
‘Fly Fishing’ – one of the longest pedicels of any snowdrop
‘Glenchantress’: the large flowers of this bewitching snowdrop have six strong lines towards the apex of the outer segments and the inner segments are of a startling densegreen colour. From glenchantry, the garden of sue and Wol staines . ..................... £35.00
‘Green Comet’: a huge snowdrop and probably one of the very finest to have originated in the garden at North green. it was found growing close to a clump of G. elwesii ‘comet’ and G. ×allenii; G. elwesii ‘Jubilee green’ was not far away. is stately snowdrop has a large weighty flower resembling G. elwesii ‘comet’ held by a particularly long pedicel well above the strikingly tall, usually three, lettuce green leaves. unlike G. elwesii ‘comet’ it does not have green markings on the outer segments. One bulb per customer. ..................... £20.00
– 20 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Green of Hearts’: this stunningly beautiful snowdrop occurred in the garden here in the late 1990s and closely resembles our award of Merit G. ‘Trumps’. e darker green and more obviously heart- shaped markings on the outer segments and the overall substance of the flowers (reminding us of G. ‘anne of geierstein’) dispell any confusion between this and G. ‘Trumps’. a rare, highly refined and scarce snowdrop which we have occasionally offered in our catalogue. One bulb per customer. (snowdrops, p.282) ............................. £65.00
‘John Gray’ Fcc 1996: a very beautiful early snowdrop. e flowers are about 40mm long, strongly marked with green on their inner segments. e.B. anderson in his book “seven gardens” tells of visiting the garden of the late “Jock” gray of Benhall, saxmundham “… i found two wood labels marked XXX against the remains of snowdrop foliage. i brought these bulbs back to lower slaughter and one bore an outstandingly large flower among the earlies and this i named ‘John gray’ in memory of a delightful friend. e late sir Frederick stern said it was the finest early snowdrop he had ever seen. i think the other one, but of this i am not quite sure, is the dwarf, large-flowered one that i named ‘Mighty atom’” (snowdrops, p.247) ............... £10.00 ‘Sentinel’ (×valentinei): a strong growing well proportioned, upright snowdrop found at sutton court, herefordshire, oen producing two scapes. e flowers have heavily ridged outer segments and are of good substance. e inner segment marking consists of distinct dark-green basal and apical marks. (snowdrops, (2001) p.270) .................................................................. £10.00
‘green of hearts’ – a highly refined and scarce snowdrop
‘Hobson’s Choice’ (×valentinei): a robust, vigorous selection and probably an hybrid between G. plicatus and G. nivalis. Found in the grounds of anglesey abbey by richard ayres. a good snowdrop. ..... £15.00 – 21 –
‘sentinel’ (×valentinei) – a strong growing well proportioned, upright snowdrop
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Mother Goose’: the most exciting snowdrop ever to have originated here in the garden at North green. e whiteness of the flowers is attractively complemented by the bluish-grey leaves. however the most remarkable feature of this truly beautiful snowdrop is the astonishingly radiant, eggyellow inner segment apical marking and strong-yellow shading towards the ovary. e silken pedicel together with the base of the ovary are wonderfully highlighted in gold. on first seeing G. ‘Mother goose’ one galanthophile visitor here was heard to ask for sunglasses! expect established, mature bulbs to show these characteristics. is is a golden treasure and was a fitting snowdrop with which to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of North green snowdrops. One bulb per customer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. .................... £90.00
‘Spindlestone Surprise’ (×valentinei), aM 1998: a lovely yellow hybrid which reminds us somewhat of G. 'Primrose Warburg' though quite distinct when they are grown near to each other. it is a stronger growing snowdrop and generally considered to be a better garden plant. (snowdrops, (2001) p.275) ........................................ £15.00
‘spindlestone surprise’ – a lovely yellow hybrid
‘Trumpolute’ (×hybridus): the first significant hybrid between G. plicatus ‘Trym’ and G. elwesii to have convolute leaves and flowers reminding us of both G. ‘Trumps’ and G. plicatus ‘Trym’. e distinctly flattish outer segments have a bold v-shaped mark towards the apex and a paler ovalshaped mark towards the base but this mark can vary until the plant is established. an historic breakthrough which occurred in the garden at North green in 2001. an exceedingly rare snowdrop. One bulb per customer. ............................................... £60.00
‘Trumpolute’– an historic breakthrough
‘Mother goose’– a truly beautiful snowdrop – 22 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Trumps’ aM 2011: we are delighted to be able to offer bulbs of this beautiful earlyflowering snowdrop which was spotted in the garden here at North green by Matt Bishop in the late 1990s. charming heartshaped markings on both the inner and outer segments. it is closely related to G. ‘green of hearts’ but flowering a little earlier. (snowdrops, p.238) ................ £20.00 ‘Wasp’– a most aptly named snowdrop
Hybrids – Double ‘Franz Josef’: a fine, broad shouldered double snowdrop with restricted, pinched in, green tips to the outer segments. e inner segments have a distinctive mark that reminds us of an erupting green volcano. a rather splendid and imperial looking plant. ..................................................................... £40.00 ‘Trumps’– beautiful early-flowering snowdrop
‘Wasp’: probably the most aptly named snowdrop of all from veronica cross. swarm-like in the clump at a distance. e flowers hover on fine pedicels with long narrow wing-like outer segments and narrow tube-like inner segments with markings suggesting a striped thorax! Not necessarily considered a "classic beauty" but definitely a classic snowdrop and one with which we could certainly not live without, here at North green. (snowdrops, (2001) p.271). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................. £15.00
‘Franz Josef ’– splendid and imperial looking
– 23 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Lady Fairhaven’: the most beautiful of all the double snowdrops that include G. elwesii in their ancestry. it appeared at anglesey abbey in 1994 and soon acquired the name lady Fairhaven. (snowdrops, (2001) p.304). . . . . . .................................. £20.00
‘richard ayers’
‘Rodmarton’: found by the late Mary Biddulph in her garden at rodmarton Manor in the 1970s. one of the tallest of the double hybrids and one of the earliest to flower. in its immature phase it closely resembles G. 'Jaquenetta' with, perhaps, even more inner segments and fly-away green tipped outer segments. (snowdrops, (2001) p.298) ....................................... £15.00
‘lady Fairhaven’
‘Richard Ayres’: a large and distinguished fully double G. elwesii hybrid found in the grounds of anglesey abbey by richard Nutt in 1987 and later named aer the head gardener. (snowdrops, (2001) p.304) . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................. £15.00
‘rodmarton’
– 24 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
R A R E S N OW D R O P S F O R S A L E BY T E N D E R EEEEEEEE
R E S E RVE P R I C E S S H OW N
G. nivalis ‘Goldheart’: a stunning later-flowering Bohemian gi that emanates a most beautiful golden aura. e strong green, lyrical, W-shaped marking on the inner segment and the seven distinct paler green stripes that emerge from it and bleed towards the ovary are all beautifully offset by a conspicuous white apical ribbon: the whole perfectly contrasted by the pure white outer segments. ....................... £120.00
‘stork’
‘goldheart’
‘Stork’: another of our selected seedlings from seed given to us by a friend in Prague. a rather extraordinary snowdrop that we have grown for many years and which, sadly, is very slow to increase. shortish pedicels when emerging from the scape result in flowers with stork-like beaks which clatter in all directions within the clump. ................................................................ £120.00 – 25 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Wellenspiel’: another later-flowering Bohemian gi with strongly animated green striped outer segments which cause a kind of lyrical goffering; a “game of Waves”. originally distributed by hagen engelmann to whom we are most grateful for allowing us to use his photograph of this very unusual and delightful treasure. ..... £120.00
‘yellow angel’
Hybrids – Single
‘Wellenspiel’
‘Yellow Angel’: a very beautiful, pristine, all white flowered snowdrop crowned with a perfectly complimentary aureolin-yellow (colbalt-yellow) ovary. an incredibly slowgrowing snowdrop with largish flowers on mature bulbs. Perhaps better suited to a more sunny position. We are most grateful to richard Bashford for this “angelic gem” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. ................. £120.00
‘Castle Eye Shadow’: a wonderful clumpforming snowdrop that originated at Brechin castle. e pristine white flowers are of good substance and texture, upright and stand well above the greenish-blue leaves. on the inner segments, 'green shadowed eyes' above a somewhat pensive v-shaped apical mark, peer out from within the outer segments. ese characteristics and the whole demeanour of this plant add up to a truly magnificent and highly desirable snowdrop. ............................. £70.00
– 26 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
‘Chameleon’: the flowers of this joyful new snowdrop are of good substance with the outer segments having unusual yellow flushed tips. on the apex of the inner segment there is a lovely yellow heartshaped mark, whilst a golden collar at the base delineates the ovary. e blue-green prostrate leaves, the golden pedicel (towards the ovary) and the chameleon-like behaviour of this snowdrop all remind us somewhat of another “changeling”: G. 'Mother goose'. very slow to increase and well named in that it’s character may change from year to year depending on the weather and size of the bulbs. young bulbs are curiously oen bright yellow. Mature bulbs will have markings that start light-greeen before becoming yellow with yellow tips, whilst a sister bulb can be bright yellow. We are most grateful to richard Bashford for another treasure that originated in his garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... ............. £120.00
‘green genes’
‘Green Genes’: a lovely green-shaded snowdrop with darker stripes on the outer segments. e very bold, darker green apical mark occupies over a third of the inner segment and less strong lines shade to the ovary. altogether a very “green” snowdrop from the garden of rod and Jane leeds and a splendid new edition to the green collection. .......................................... £120.00
‘chameleon’ – 27 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
We have a few of the above rare snowdrops for sale. in order to give all our customers an opportunity to acquire these bulbs we are once again, selling them by tender. customers are invited to submit a bid for a single bulb of one or more of the seven varieties on the yellow bidding form enclosed. e reserve price is the lowest price at which we will sell any of the above snowdrops. Please note, in most cases there are only five, or even less, bulbs of a particular variety for sale. should there be more than one bid of an equal amount, and only one bulb remaining, we shall accept the first bid opened. Please put your bid or bids in a sealed envelope and mark the front with the name(s) of the bulb(s). in previous years, many customers have been very disappointed but it would appear that this is the fairest method we can devise to give all our customers an equal chance of acquiring these rarities. No bids will be accepted aer 12 noon on Monday 19th February 2018. customers wishing to participate please note that bids, which must be made in pounds sterling, can only be accepted if payment is made by credit/debit card and no other form of payment. any snowdrops acquired through this new venture will be separately dispatched and the whole transaction treated separately from any other order you may have placed. as we cannot combine these snowdrops with your main order, please add £4.95 to all orders towards the cost of First class postage and packing (eu and europe add £10). – 28 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
complete information on all the species and most of the cultivars listed in this catalogue can be found in the book Snowdrops, Bishop, M., Davis, a. and grimshaw, J. (2001). e griffin Press. reprinted 2006 (see page 2).
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY EEEEEEEE
allen, J. (1891). snowdrops. J. roy. hort. soc. 13: 172-188. artyushenko, Z.T. (1967). Taxonomy of the genus galanthus l. r.h.s. Daffodil and Tulip year Book. 32: 62-82. Bishop, M. (2011). e appearance and diversity of inverse poculiform snowdrops. r.h.s. Daffodil, snowdrop and Tulip yearbook: 43-47. Bishop, M., Davis, a. and grimshaw, J. (2001) snowdrops. e griffin Press. Maidenhead. Bowles, e.a. (1914). My garden in spring. london. Brickell, c.D. (1984). Flora of Turkey. edinburgh. Burbidge, F.W. (1891). snowdrops. J. roy. hort. soc. 13: 191-210. Davis, a.P. (1999). e genus galanthus. Timber Press. leeds, r. (2000). early Bulbs. David & charles. Devon. Melville, D. (1891). snowdrops. J. roy. hort. soc.13: 188-191. Nutt, r. (1969). some thoughts on growing snowdrops. r.h.s. Daffodil and Tulip year Book 34: 80-86. – 29 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
Nutt, r. (1971). snowdrop freaks or natural variations. r.h.s. Daffodil and Tulip year Book 36: 165-174. Nutt, r. (1993) encyclopaedia of alpines. galanthus. vol. i ags Publications ltd., Pershore, Worcestershire. schwartz, o. (1963). Bulletin alpine garden soc. XXi: 131-141. stern, F.c. (1956). snowdrops and snowflakes. london. van Dijk, h. (2011). galanthomania. uitgeverij Terra lannoo-groep. arnhem Waldorf, g. (2012). snowdrops. Frances lincoln ltd. london. Wyatt, o.e.P. (1967). Two snowdrop Problems. and "Double green" snowdrop. r.h.s. Daffodil and Tulip year Book. 32: 83-87 and 189. ‘Jubilee green’ (see page 14)
– 30 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 8
S N OW D R O P S N A M E D BY N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S EEEEEEEE
G. nivalis ‘Bohemia Gold’ ‘Chatterbox’ ‘Dumpy Green’ ‘Fanfare' (lost) ‘Golden Glow’ ‘Goldheart’ ‘Gold Dust’ ‘Green Whisp’ ‘La Bohème’ ‘Odd Sharlock’ ‘Prague Spring’ ‘Stork’ ‘Tall Prague Spring’ ‘White Stag’ (lost) G. plicatus ‘Amy Doncaster’ ‘Eric Fisher’ ‘Old January’ ‘ree Ships’ ‘Vera Trum’ ‘Winter Green’
G. elwesii ‘Comet’ ‘Jubilee Green’ ‘Chelsworth Magnet’ ‘Margaret’s Star’ (‘Milkwood’) *‘Mrs Macnamara’ (‘November Merlin’) *‘Remember, Remember’ ‘Sibberto Magnet’
hybrids ‘Benton Magnet’ ‘Bloomer’ ‘Early to Rize’ ‘Green Beauty’ ‘Green Comet’ ‘Green of Hearts’ ‘John Morley’ ‘Little Dorrit’ ‘Long Wasp’ ‘Mother Goose’
G. reginae-olgae subsp. vernalis ‘Blue John’ ‘Blue Peter’
‘North Green Wasp’ ‘Trotter’s Merlin’ ‘Trumpolute’ ‘Trumps’
G. gracilis ‘Ayes and Noes’ ‘Corkscrew’ ‘Denton’
e names in brackets are our original naming but for various reasons these have had to be changed to the name with an asterisk. – 31 –
N O RT H G R E E N S N OW D R O P S 2 0 1 7
I N D E X BY C U LT I VA R N A M E S EEEEEEEE
‘×allenii’
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ 16
‘elizabeth harrison’............ 16 ‘Mrs Macnamara’ ................. 14
‘amy Doncaster’ . . .............. .... 7 ‘eric Fisher’ ............................. 9 ‘Nathalie garton’ ................ 15 ‘anglesey abbey’
................. 5
‘Flocon de Neige’ ................... 5 ‘Peter gatehouse’ ................ 13
‘anglesey orange Tip’ ...... . 11 ‘Fly Fishing’
......................... 20
‘Priscilla Bacon’ ...................... 9
‘annielle’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................. 6 ‘Franz Josef ’.......................... 23 ‘remember, remember’ .... 15 ‘Baxendale’s late’ . .................. 8 ‘galadriel’.............................. 11 ‘reverend hailstone’.......... 15 ‘Beanie’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... . 11 ‘glenchantress’..................... 20 ‘richard ayres’ ..................... 24 ‘Belvedere gold’
. ............... . 17
‘godfrey owen’ .................. 12 ‘rodmarton’ .................. ....... 24
‘Blewbury Tart’ . . . . .............. .... 5 ‘goldheart’ ........................... 25 ‘selborne green Tips’ ........ 15 ‘Bloomer’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ 17 ‘green comet’ ..................... 20 ‘sentinel’ ........................ ....... 21 ‘Blue Trym’
. . . . . . . . . .................. 8
‘green eyes’
......................... 12
‘sofia’........................................ 7
‘castlegar’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ 18 ‘green genes’ ...................... 27 ‘spindlestone surprise’....... 22 ‘castle eye shadow’........... 26 ‘green of hearts’ ................. 21 ‘stork’ .................................... 25 ‘chameleon ‘chatton’
. . . . . . ............... . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................. 6
‘chris Peer’
. . . . . . . . . . ................ 18
‘hobson’s choice’ ............... 21 ‘swan lake’ ............................. 6 ‘hoggets Narrow’ ............... 13 ‘Trumpolute’
....................... 22
‘John gray’............................ 21 ‘Trumps’ ................................ 23
‘cicely hall’. . . . . . . . . . ................ 19 ‘John Tomlinson’ ................. 13 ‘vera Trum’ ........................... 10 ‘cider with rosie’ .............. . 16 ‘Jonathan’
............................. 13
‘Wasp’ .................................... 23
‘cinderella’ . . . . . . . . . . . .............. .... 5 ‘Jubilee green’ ..................... 14 ‘Wellenspiel’ ‘colossus’
. . . . . . . .................. 8
‘la Bohème’
.......................... 6
........................ 26
‘Winter green’ .................... 10
‘curly’
. . . . . . . . . . . . ................ 19
‘lady Fairhaven’................... 24 ‘Woodpeckers’
‘Diggory
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. .... 8
‘Madelaine’
........................... 9
‘yellow angel’
.................... 7 ..................... 26
‘Ding Dong’ . . . . . . . . . ............... . 19 ‘Margaret owen’ ................. 14 ‘yvonne hay’........................ 16 ‘e. a. Bowles’ . . . . . . . . .................. 8 ‘Margaret’s star’ ................... 14 ‘early To rize’ . . . . . . ............... . 19 ‘Mother goose’ ................... 22
– 32 –
Back cover images: Top le: ‘Godfrey Owen’ (see page 12) Top right: ‘Swan Lake’ (see page 6) Bottom le: ‘Spindlestone Surprise’ (see page 22) Bottom right: ‘Goldheart’
(see page 25)
Catalogue £4