Galanthus ikariae

An aristocratic snowdrop and arguably one the most beautiful, with handsome leaves and large flowers that carry bold markings. Originating from the Aegean Islands of Greece, it was first discovered on the island of Ikaria in 1893, where it occurs naturally in wet and shady places in river gorges, by streams and in deciduous woodland.Galanthus ikariae remains a collector’s snowdrop and is rarely seen in gardens. Its growing requirements are a little more fussy than other varieties as it is slightly less hardy, but give it a sheltered position in shade, in moist, freely- draining ground and it will readily self-seed to form large colonies.Galanthus ikariae is a green-leaved snowdrop, with broad, dark green foliage that is distinctly mat. The large flowers carry a single bold green mark that covers more than half of the inner perianth. One of the last species to flower in cultivation, Galanthus ikariae makes an elegant finale to the snowdrop season. Height: 15cm (6in). Spread: 10cm (4in)