What Is the Difference Between Galanthus Nivalis & Galanthus Elwesii?

Common Snowdrop

• The common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is the smaller of the two species, usually growing from 4 to 6 inches tall, with two or three strap-like basal leaves that grow to 4 inches in length. The single, bell-like flower that nods from atop the lone flower stalk is waxy white, tipped with green and about an inch in length. It emerges and flowers slightly later than the giant snowdrop, usually from February to March, or as early as January in the warmer extents of its range. The common snowdrop is slightly more cold-hardy than its giant cousin, growing well from U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 7. In warmer zones, it is considered a short-lived perennial and requires re-planting every several years.

Giant Snowdrop

• As its name implies, the giant snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii) is larger than the common snowdrop, with wider leaves, flower stalks that reach 8 to 12 inches in height and flowers that can be up to 2 inches long. In all other regards, the giant snowdrop appears very similar to the common snowdrop. It also has two or three 4-inch basal leaves as well as white, bell-shaped, green-tipped flowers, though the green blotch may be larger in some populations of giant snowdrop. The plant blooms earlier, emerging earlier during the February to March bloom time than the common snowdrop. It is native to western Turkey and the Balkan Mountains, and is hardy from USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 7.

Wild Status

• In its native range, the common snowdrop once grew widely across most parts of Europe east of the Caucasus Mountains. In part because of its popularity as a cultivated plant, this plant is now threatened in many places where it was once abundant. Collectors have overharvested bulbs from formerly lush wild stands, and bulb viability is further degraded by enchanted passers-by picking the early flowers. Giant snowdrop is less commonly grown, but still listed as a “vulnerable” species in its home range, according to the Red List published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Growing Conditions

• Both common and giant snowdrop share cultural similarities, as both plants grow well in a wide range of soils from part shade to full sun. Summer watering should be kept to a minimum, as the dormant bulbs tend to rot. They grow very well under deciduous trees, whose bare winter branches allow them to receive full sunlight during the snowdrops’ active growth period, but whose shady leaves provide cover and dryness during summer dormancy. Plants naturalize well, spreading easily both by seed and bulb division. They are deer- and rabbit-resistant, and are also one of the few plants that will grow just fine underneath black walnut (Juglans nigra).