Galanthus koenenianus

One of the more intriguing species in the genus, Galanthus koenenianus is a remarkable snowdrop from the mountains of north-eastern Turkey, formally described by Wilhelm Lobin, C. D. Brickell and Aaron P. Davis in 1993. Endemic to north-eastern Anatolia, it is an Euxine species of cool, montane woodland and remains considerably less familiar in cultivation than many of its more widely grown relatives.

It is a rather distinctive plant, with narrow, glaucous leaves that develop considerably after flowering and eventually become broader towards the upper third. The flowers are carried on remarkably short scapes, giving the plant a compact appearance, with relatively narrow, obovate outer segments and smaller, obovate to cuneate inner segments. The inner segments bear a variable, narrow, inverted-V-shaped green mark above the apical notch, often extending towards the base on the inner surface. A faint yellowish basal suffusion may also be present. And, in a wonderfully unglamorous botanical detail, the flowers have been recorded as smelling distinctly of urine — proving once again that not every snowdrop was designed with the cut-flower trade in mind.

In the wild it grows at around 1,550m in mixed woodland dominated by Oriental spruce and Oriental beech, accompanied by species including Acer, Corylus, Sambucus and Sorbus, on volcanic soils. It is a spring-flowering species, generally flowering in March and April. Molecular work has subsequently confirmed its distinctness from the closely related G. alpinus, although the two species are genetically close and are now placed together in subseries Viridifolii.

A fascinating species for the serious Galanthophile: not a giant, not a green monster and certainly not a snowdrop that relies on horticultural exaggeration for its appeal. Its narrow foliage, short scape, unusually shaped flower and distinctive green markings give it a quiet but unmistakable character. The slightly unfortunate perfume is best regarded as an additional botanical talking point rather than a selling feature.

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in partial shade. Given its montane woodland origins, it appreciates good moisture during the growing season and should not be allowed to become excessively dry in summer. A sheltered woodland or alpine-house position with cool conditions and excellent drainage should suit it well. Protect from prolonged winter wet and avoid baking-hot, dry positions.

Flowering: March–April
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Height: 8–15cm
Spread: 10–15cm