{"product_id":"galanthus-elwesii-mrs-macnamara-bulbs","title":"Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara' Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mrs Macnamara' is an exceptionally elegant early-flowering snowdrop, producing long, slender white flowers in the depths of winter. The beautifully proportioned blooms hang gracefully from tall stems and feature a neat, flattened green inverted V marking on the tips of the inner segments. Combined with its grey-green foliage and impressive height of around 25cm, it has a refined appearance that makes it particularly desirable amongst collectors of named snowdrops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the great attractions of 'Mrs Macnamara' is its early flowering season. It can produce its flowers in mid-winter, bringing fresh growth and pristine white blooms to the garden well before many traditional snowdrops have reached their peak. Despite its delicate appearance, it is a hardy bulbous perennial that can establish into an attractive clump when given suitable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mrs Macnamara'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Giant snowdrop 'Mrs Macnamara'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e white with green inner markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e mid-winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 25cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e grey-green\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\u003eHabit:\u003c\/strong\u003e bulbous, clump-forming perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e woodland gardens, winter borders, naturalising and snowdrop collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Mrs Macnamara' is a selected cultivar of \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e, the giant snowdrop. It combines the larger stature associated with the species with particularly slender and graceful flowers. Its tall stems lift the blooms clearly above the foliage, giving established plants an airy and elegant appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe long outer segments are clean white, while the shorter inner segments carry a single small green marking. This takes the form of a flattened inverted V, providing just enough colour to highlight the centre of each flower without overwhelming its predominantly white appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAn Exceptionally Early Snowdrop\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor gardeners who want to extend the snowdrop season, 'Mrs Macnamara' is particularly valuable. It is renowned for flowering early, often producing blooms in mid-winter when relatively little else is happening in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts early appearance makes it particularly effective near entrances, pathways and windows, where the flowers can be appreciated during the colder months without having to venture far into the garden. Combining early and later-flowering \u003cem\u003eGalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e cultivars can create a succession of snowdrop flowers lasting for many weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eElegant Slender Flowers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile many forms of \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e are prized for their large, substantial flowers, 'Mrs Macnamara' has a more refined character. The flowers are noticeably long and slender, suspended gracefully from the ends of arching stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLook closely and the inner segments reveal their distinctive flattened green inverted V. It is a comparatively simple marking, but one that complements the clean lines of the flower beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Tall Snowdrop for the Winter Garden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaching around 25cm in height, 'Mrs Macnamara' is taller than many commonly grown snowdrops. Its extra height helps the flowers stand prominently above low-growing winter vegetation and makes it particularly useful amongst other woodland plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying grey-green leaves provide an attractive contrast to the pure white flowers and remain an important feature after flowering, continuing to feed the bulbs in preparation for the following year's display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Galanthus 'Mrs Macnamara'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a position in partial or dappled shade. Planting beneath deciduous trees and shrubs works particularly well, providing good levels of winter light while creating cooler, shaded conditions as the season progresses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSnowdrops prefer fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. The ground should retain some moisture during the growing season but drain freely enough to prevent the bulbs sitting in persistently waterlogged conditions. Leaf mould makes an excellent addition when preparing a woodland-style planting area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara' Bulbs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the bulbs approximately 5-8cm (2-3in) deep with their pointed growing tips facing upwards. Groups of several bulbs generally produce a more attractive display than isolated individual plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a natural appearance, avoid planting in perfectly straight lines. Instead, arrange the bulbs informally beneath shrubs, along woodland edges or amongst other winter-flowering plants. Water after planting if the ground is particularly dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing and Naturalising\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce established in favourable conditions, 'Mrs Macnamara' can remain in the same position for many years and gradually develop into an attractive clump. Avoid disturbing the plants unnecessarily while they are actively growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter flowering, allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally. Do not cut or tie the leaves while they are still green, as they are photosynthesising and replenishing the underground bulb ready for the next flowering season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDividing Established Snowdrops\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs clumps become established, they can eventually be divided to create additional groups. Carefully lift congested clumps, separate them into smaller sections and replant promptly into prepared ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAdding leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter when replanting can improve soil structure and moisture retention. Water newly divided plants during dry conditions until they have settled back into the soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCompanion Plants\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe elegant white flowers of 'Mrs Macnamara' look particularly attractive alongside other winter and early-spring plants. Winter aconites provide a vivid golden contrast, while purple and lilac crocuses add complementary colour as the season progresses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHellebores, cyclamen, early irises and other named snowdrops are also excellent companions. Its relatively tall stems mean 'Mrs Macnamara' can rise above carpets of smaller bulbs and low-growing woodland plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWildlife Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts mid-winter flowering period also adds another source of flowers to a wildlife-friendly garden at a time when relatively few plants are blooming. During suitable mild weather, early-active pollinating insects may visit snowdrops in search of food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing a mixture of winter aconites, snowdrops, crocuses and hellebores helps provide a broader succession of winter and early-spring flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly elegant named giant snowdrop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers particularly early in the snowdrop season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong, slender pure white flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive flattened green inverted V on the inner segments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTall stems reaching approximately 25cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive grey-green foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for extending the snowdrop flowering season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal beneath deciduous trees and shrubs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for naturalistic and woodland-style planting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn excellent addition to a collection of named \u003cem\u003eGalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor anyone looking for a snowdrop that combines an early flowering season with graceful proportions, \u003cem\u003eGalanthus elwesii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mrs Macnamara' is an outstanding choice. Its tall stems, slender white flowers and understated green markings give it an elegance all its own, while its mid-winter display provides a welcome reminder that spring is already on its way.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Bulb","offer_id":62373050679683,"sku":"JA-G1490","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373050712451,"sku":"JA-G1490x10","price":69.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/G1490_Galanthus_elwesii_Mrs_McNamara.webp?v=1788786609","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/galanthus-elwesii-mrs-macnamara-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}