Large or giant snowdrops
The subject of size in snowdrops is something of a vexed question. Many forms, particularly of elwesii, have been named on the basis of perceived size alone. Many of these plants with names implying great size often fail to live up to expectations and thus disappoint their new owners.
The authors of the recent monograph discuss this topic at some length. They caution people against naming new varieties on the basis of size alone. They also only accept plants as large when they proven to be so in a number of gardens.
Snowdrops are inherently variable plants and the actual size of a variety can vary dramatically depending on all sorts of aspects of its location and cultivation.
Two of our experiences are worth discussing here. We grow many varieties traditionally regarded as large and credited as being so in the recent monograph. Within the uniform cultivation conditions of our propogating beds, they have all displayed moderate stature even when growing vigorously. This may be as a result of the more austere coditions in the Highlands of Scotland, a reaction to the full sun regime they receive when in growth or any number of factors. We have not experimented in the more variable and informal conditions of the gardens and grounds where some of these giants may live up to their name.
The other topic worth touching on is Freds Giant. Freds Giant is described elsewhere but is the signature plant of the Cruickshank Botanic Garden and bears the name of the head gardener who introduced it to the garden. Freds Giant was treated somewhat dismissively in the recent monograph for its lack of stature when grown or observed by the authors. In our propogation beds, Freds Giant is no different in size to other large snowdrops. In various places round the property, however, it is exceedingly robust. In its home in the Cruickshank Gardens there are large drifts of very big plants and the University Herbarium contains pressed specimens over 30 cms. in height.
As a result of the foregoing, plants described here as large are plants that have proved to be large with us or have a reasonable reputation for being large. Good luck.
Size, of course, isn't everything; but there is no denying the impact of a good clump of a really large snowdrop. Large, easy going snowdrops, such as the atkinsii types, also bring a new dimension to gardening when used in preference to ordinary nivalis for naturalising.
.JPG)
