{"product_id":"galanthus-elwesii-kite-bulbs","title":"Galanthus elwesii 'Kite' Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Kite' is a distinctive, early-flowering snowdrop with large, elegant blooms and an unmistakable bold green X-shaped marking across the inner segments. Also known by the synonym \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Maidwell L', it is a strong-growing cultivar that forms attractive clumps of broad, grey-green foliage topped by arching flower stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers have long, pure white outer segments surrounding the prominently marked inner segments. Once plants become well established, 'Kite' can also produce the particularly attractive feature of two flowers from a single scape. Reaching approximately 20cm tall, it has enough stature to make an impact in a winter border while retaining all the delicate charm expected from a snowdrop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Kite'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynonym:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Maidwell L'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Giant snowdrop 'Kite'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e white with bold green markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e early flowering\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, strap-shaped grey-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 5-8cm (2-3in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting distance:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 2.5cm (1in) apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabit:\u003c\/strong\u003e clump forming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Galanthus elwesii 'Kite'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Kite' is a selected form of \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e, the giant snowdrop, a species appreciated for its larger flowers and broader foliage. This cultivar is particularly notable for the strong green marking on its inner flower segments, which forms a broad and clearly defined X.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe bold marking provides an attractive contrast against the surrounding white petals and makes 'Kite' easy to distinguish from many other named snowdrops. It is an excellent variety to plant where individual flowers can be viewed closely, such as beside a path, near a patio or at the front of a shady border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLarge Flowers with a Bold Green X\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are substantial for a snowdrop, with long white outer segments that hang gracefully from arching stems. Inside, the shorter segments carry the characteristic broad green X-shaped marking that gives the cultivar much of its individual character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the flowers open, the white outer segments spread to reveal this striking green centre. The combination of large flowers and strong markings makes 'Kite' particularly rewarding for collectors who enjoy the extraordinary variation found amongst named \u003cem\u003eGalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e cultivars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTwo Flowers on Established Plants\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the more interesting characteristics of \u003cem\u003eGalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Kite' is its ability, when mature and growing strongly, to produce two flowers from a single scape. This is not necessarily seen on every stem or every young plant, but established specimens can produce an especially impressive display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombined with its large individual blooms and height of around 20cm, this gives 'Kite' considerably more presence than many smaller snowdrops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eEarly Colour for the Winter Garden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Kite' is an early-flowering cultivar, bringing fresh white and green flowers to the garden when winter colour can still be scarce. Its flowers rise above broad grey-green leaves, creating attractive clumps that work particularly well beneath bare deciduous trees and shrubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor maximum impact, grow several bulbs together and allow the clump to develop naturally over successive seasons. Its relatively tall growth means it remains easy to see amongst low winter foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Galanthus 'Kite'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSnowdrops generally perform best in partial shade or dappled shade. Beneath deciduous trees and shrubs is ideal, as plants receive good levels of light while they are actively growing in winter and early spring before becoming shaded as the overhead canopy develops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Kite' will tolerate a range of garden soils, but the best results are achieved in fertile, humus-rich ground that remains reasonably moist during the growing season while still draining freely. Avoid positions that remain permanently waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Galanthus elwesii 'Kite' Bulbs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the bulbs approximately 5-8cm (2-3in) deep with the pointed growing tip facing upwards. Space bulbs around 2.5cm (1in) apart when creating a group, or plant them slightly more widely if you would like individual clumps to develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNatural-looking groups are generally more effective than straight rows. Scatter the bulbs gently over the intended planting area before planting them where they fall to create a more informal woodland appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing and Naturalising\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Kite' is a clump-forming perennial and is an excellent choice for naturalistic planting. Once established in favourable conditions, the bulbs can gradually multiply to produce an increasingly impressive display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter flowering, leave the foliage untouched until it has yellowed and died back naturally. The leaves continue to produce and store energy in the bulb after flowering, helping to support growth and flowering the following season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDividing Established Clumps\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the plants multiply, older clumps can eventually become crowded. These may be carefully lifted and divided, allowing 'Kite' to be spread to other suitable areas of the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReplant divided bulbs promptly into humus-rich soil and water them if conditions are dry. Adding leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter to the planting area helps recreate the fertile woodland conditions in which snowdrops thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCompanion Plants\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe crisp white and green flowers of 'Kite' combine beautifully with other winter and early-spring bulbs. Yellow winter aconites provide a particularly cheerful contrast, while blue, purple and lilac crocuses complement the cool colouring of its foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOther good companions include hellebores, cyclamen, early-flowering irises and other named snowdrops. Planting several different \u003cem\u003eGalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e cultivars together also makes it easier to appreciate the differences in flower size, markings, foliage and flowering season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWildlife Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEarly-flowering plants can be useful to pollinating insects emerging during mild winter weather. Snowdrops may be visited by early-active bees when conditions are suitable, particularly on brighter, warmer days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombining snowdrops with winter aconites, crocuses, hellebores and other early flowers helps provide a succession of nectar and pollen sources as the garden moves towards spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Galanthus elwesii 'Kite'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive named form of the giant snowdrop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge white flowers on elegant arching stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStriking broad green X-shaped marking on the inner segments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEstablished plants may produce two flowers per scape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly flowering for valuable winter colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive broad grey-green foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrows to approximately 20cm tall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for woodland gardens and shady borders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn interesting addition to a collection of named snowdrops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its large white flowers, unmistakable green X-shaped markings and occasional twin blooms, \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Kite' is a snowdrop with plenty of individual character. Its strong stature and early flowering season make it equally appealing as a collector's cultivar or as an attractive clump-forming bulb for bringing life to shady areas of the winter garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Bulb","offer_id":62373050155395,"sku":"JA-G1383","price":16.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373050188163,"sku":"JA-G1383x10","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/Image_coming_soon_286114a3-e8f5-4a3b-8bd1-038d2c09eccb.webp?v=1767358606","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/galanthus-elwesii-kite-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}