Galanthus ‘Wol Staines’

A superb and highly distinctive snowdrop from Glen Chantry, the Essex garden of Sue and Wol Staines, and a fitting tribute to one of Britain’s most knowledgeable galanthophiles. ‘Wol Staines’ is particularly admired for its strongly marked outer segments, which carry a pale green wash towards the base and conspicuous darker green colouring towards the tips. The inner segments bear a deep green wine-glass-shaped marking, giving the flower exceptional character. The ribbed outer segments and elegant, well-held flowers add further distinction. It has become one of the more sought-after modern snowdrops and was prominently featured on the cover of Anne Repnow’s Some Snowdrops. 

The selection commemorates Wol Staines, whose Glen Chantry garden, developed with his wife Sue, became an important source of outstanding snowdrops and other specialist plants. 

Cultivation: Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade or beneath deciduous trees. Avoid prolonged summer drought. Allow foliage to mature and die back naturally after flowering.

Flowering: January–February
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Height: 15–20cm
Spread: 10–15cm