{"product_id":"galanthus-elwesii-comet-bulbs","title":"Galanthus elwesii 'Comet' Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e '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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Comet'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Giant snowdrop 'Comet'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e white with green markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 20cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e broad, grey to lettuce-green leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e partial shade or dappled shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile, humus-rich and well drained\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 5-8cm (2-3in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e woodland gardens, borders, beneath deciduous trees and snowdrop collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e hardy perennial bulb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Galanthus elwesii 'Comet'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Comet' is a selected form of \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLarge White Flowers with Bold Green Markings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDistinctive Tall Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMature plants reach approximately 20cm in height, making 'Comet' noticeably taller than many smaller \u003cem\u003eGalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e cultivars. This extra stature makes it useful towards the back of a snowdrop planting or amongst low-growing woodland perennials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Galanthus 'Comet'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSnowdrops 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Galanthus elwesii 'Comet' Bulbs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing and Naturalising\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAllow 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDividing Established Clumps\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCompanion Plants for Galanthus 'Comet'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHellebores, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWildlife Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEarly-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlanting several different winter and early-spring flowering species together can extend the period during which these early pollinators can find food in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Galanthus elwesii 'Comet'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge and substantial named snowdrop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElegant white flowers with bold green inner markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOuter petals can also display attractive green tips\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnusually long pedicels hold the flowers prominently above the foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive broad grey-green to lettuce-green leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaches approximately 20cm tall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for specialist snowdrop collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal beneath deciduous trees and shrubs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for woodland-style and naturalistic planting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReturns year after year when established in suitable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its large flowers, long elegant flower stems and distinctive green markings, \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e '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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Bulb","offer_id":62373047370115,"sku":"JA-G1132","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373047402883,"sku":"JA-G1132x10","price":74.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/G1132_Galanthus_Comet.webp?v=1788785377","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/galanthus-elwesii-comet-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}