Galanthus elwesii 'Comet' is a handsome, substantial snowdrop distinguished by its large, weighty flowers held on particularly long pedicels above striking lettuce-green foliage. The combination gives the flowers an elegant, almost floating appearance and makes 'Comet' particularly noticeable when grown amongst smaller snowdrop varieties.

The white flowers have a prominent single green marking on the inner segments, while the outer segments can also develop attractive green markings towards their tips. Growing to around 20cm tall, this is an excellent choice for snowdrop collectors as well as gardeners looking for a bold, vigorous-looking variety for a winter or woodland garden.

• Botanical name: Galanthus elwesii 'Comet'
• Common name: Giant snowdrop 'Comet'
• Flower colour: white with green markings
• Height: approximately 20cm
• Foliage: broad, grey to lettuce-green leaves
• Position: partial shade or dappled shade
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich and well drained
• Planting depth: approximately 5-8cm (2-3in)
• Suitable for: woodland gardens, borders, beneath deciduous trees and snowdrop collections
• Hardiness: hardy perennial bulb

About Galanthus elwesii 'Comet'

'Comet' is a selected form of Galanthus elwesii, commonly known as the giant snowdrop. The species is naturally larger and more imposing than the familiar common snowdrop, and 'Comet' makes excellent use of these characteristics with tall growth and impressively proportioned flowers.

Its flowers are carried well above the foliage on long, slender pedicels. This gives each bloom room to hang gracefully and means that the distinctive markings can be appreciated more easily than on varieties whose flowers are tucked closely amongst their leaves.

Large White Flowers with Bold Green Markings

The flowers are classic snowdrop white but have particularly noticeable green detailing. The inner segments carry a single broad green mark near their tips, creating a strong contrast against the pure white petals. Green markings may also appear on the outer segments, although their extent can vary between flowers.

The combination of large blooms and strong markings gives 'Comet' plenty of character without losing the simple elegance associated with snowdrops. Planting it somewhere that can be viewed at close quarters allows these finer details to be fully appreciated.

Distinctive Tall Growth

One of the most attractive characteristics of 'Comet' is the relationship between its foliage and flowers. Plants usually produce around three broad, upright leaves in a fresh grey-green to lettuce-green shade. Above them rise the flowers, suspended from unusually long pedicels.

Mature plants reach approximately 20cm in height, making 'Comet' noticeably taller than many smaller Galanthus cultivars. This extra stature makes it useful towards the back of a snowdrop planting or amongst low-growing woodland perennials.

Where to Plant Galanthus 'Comet'

Snowdrops perform particularly well in partial or dappled shade, especially beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. These positions provide plenty of winter and early-spring light while offering cooler, more sheltered conditions later in the year.

Choose fertile, humus-rich soil that retains some moisture during the growing season but does not remain waterlogged. Incorporating leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter before planting can help create the woodland-style conditions snowdrops enjoy.

How to Plant Galanthus elwesii 'Comet' Bulbs

Plant the bulbs approximately 5-8cm (2-3in) deep with the pointed growing tip facing upwards. For an attractive display, arrange several bulbs in an informal group rather than planting them in rigid rows.

After planting, water if the soil is dry and then allow the bulbs to establish undisturbed. Once growth appears, avoid damaging the emerging foliage when cultivating or weeding around the plants.

Growing and Naturalising

Once established in suitable conditions, snowdrops can remain in the same position for many years and gradually develop into increasingly impressive clumps. 'Comet' is particularly effective planted beneath deciduous shrubs, beside woodland paths or amongst other early-flowering bulbs.

Allow the foliage to remain after flowering until it has naturally yellowed and died back. Although the flowers have finished, the leaves are still feeding the bulb and storing energy for the following year's display.

Dividing Established Clumps

If an established clump eventually becomes congested, it can be divided to create new groups elsewhere in the garden. Carefully separate sections of bulbs and replant them promptly into prepared soil, taking care not to allow the roots to dry excessively.

A little leaf mould or well-rotted compost added to the new planting position will help provide the moisture-retentive, humus-rich conditions that snowdrops favour.

Companion Plants for Galanthus 'Comet'

The tall white flowers of 'Comet' combine beautifully with other plants that provide colour during late winter and early spring. Yellow winter aconites create a cheerful contrast, while purple, blue and lilac crocuses work particularly well alongside its white and green flowers.

Hellebores, cyclamen, early irises and other named snowdrops are also excellent companions. Beneath deciduous shrubs, these plants can create a succession of colour before the main spring garden gets underway.

Wildlife Value

Early-flowering bulbs are useful additions to wildlife-friendly gardens because they provide flowers during a season when relatively few other plants are blooming. On mild, sunny days, snowdrop flowers may be visited by early-active bees and other pollinating insects.

Planting several different winter and early-spring flowering species together can extend the period during which these early pollinators can find food in the garden.

Why Grow Galanthus elwesii 'Comet'?

• Large and substantial named snowdrop
• Elegant white flowers with bold green inner markings
• Outer petals can also display attractive green tips
• Unusually long pedicels hold the flowers prominently above the foliage
• Distinctive broad grey-green to lettuce-green leaves
• Reaches approximately 20cm tall
• Excellent for specialist snowdrop collections
• Ideal beneath deciduous trees and shrubs
• Suitable for woodland-style and naturalistic planting
• Returns year after year when established in suitable conditions

With its large flowers, long elegant flower stems and distinctive green markings, Galanthus elwesii 'Comet' has considerably more presence than its modest height might suggest. It is an excellent snowdrop for displaying where its individual flowers can be appreciated closely, while also being substantial enough to make an attractive feature when planted as a developing clump in the winter garden.