Galanthus nivalis 'Hellebore'

A delicate, albino poculiform found as a chance seedling in a self-seeding swarm of Galanthus nivalis, growing amongst a clump of Helleborus orientalis. The flowers are unusually pure, with the inner and outer segments forming a pleasing, cup-shaped poculiform flower and little or no green pigmentation to interrupt the whiteness. Its diminutive stature and February–March flowering make it an especially charming little snowdrop, with the name recalling the hellebores amongst which it first appeared. A lovely example of the surprises that can turn up when nivalis is allowed to seed freely.

• Hardiness: H6, -20 to -15°C
• Height: 10–12 cm
• Spread: 10–15 cm
• Flowers: February–March
• Origin: Chance seedling from a self-seeding swarm of Galanthus nivalis, found amongst Helleborus orientalis