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Author Topic: Galanthus Identification  (Read 6014 times)

Des Doyle

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Galanthus Identification
« on: February 08, 2011, 08:51:04 PM »
Hi All,

 A while since my first post so I thought I'd stick these up- they are snowdrops I discovered in the old garden trhat I am currently restoring. There are about 5 distinct kinds I can see with my very un-expert eye! I'll put up these two and see if anyone can name them. They might be nothing or something old - the snowdrops in the garden are here for at least 50 years and most are well clumped up. Apologies in advance for pictures - a bit blurry - taken on the hoof!

Images 3 + 4: A single, very tall, very early snowdrop - came into flower around new years eve and still going strong! Clumps are not too big but are increasing slowly. Leaves are quite blue - not bright green at all.

Images 1 + 2: A double flower - just out over the last week - low growth and a double flower with gold flecks inside, there is also a single 'petal' in  the middle of the double part which is consistent in most flowers - it is very visible.

Also attached some images of the woodland area I am recently clearing and of some of the snowdrop clumps I have had to move due to tree fellers moving in to clear scrub.

Des
« Last Edit: February 08, 2011, 08:55:27 PM by Des Doyle »
Des Doyle
Kilkenny, Ireland

Growing plants a while but learning all the time!

Paddy Tobin

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2011, 09:05:14 PM »
Hi Des,

Good to see you here again and that you are getting to grips with the snowdrops.

I would venture that your single snowdrops are Galanthus nivalis and the double G. nivalis flore pleno, the double variation of the common snowdrop.

Paddy
Paddy Tobin, Waterford, Ireland

https://anirishgardener.wordpress.com/

Des Doyle

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2011, 09:54:26 PM »
Aw Paddy, you mean they're not something obscure and rare that can make me wildly wealthy!? :(
Des Doyle
Kilkenny, Ireland

Growing plants a while but learning all the time!

Paddy Tobin

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2011, 10:15:33 PM »
I don't think so, Des, but good snowdrops nonetheless.

By the way, Altamont Gardens, near Ballon, Co. Carlow have a Snowdrop Week starting on Sunday next with guided tour each afternoon at 2p.m.
Worth a visit.

Paddy
Paddy Tobin, Waterford, Ireland

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Des Doyle

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2011, 10:45:48 PM »
I know I've been there last week for a walk around and left with six pots of snowdrops.... the bug....has bitten.
Des Doyle
Kilkenny, Ireland

Growing plants a while but learning all the time!

Brian Ellis

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2011, 10:49:55 PM »
I know I've been there last week for a walk around and left with six pots of snowdrops.... the bug....has bitten.

 ;D ;D ;D
Brian Ellis, Brooke, Norfolk UK. altitude 30m Mintemp -8C

chasw

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2011, 10:52:22 PM »
Quote
I know I've been there last week for a walk around and left with six pots of snowdrops.... the bug....has bitten.

And it only gets worse  ;D  ;D  ;D
Chas Whight in Northamptonshire

Brian Ellis

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2011, 10:52:54 PM »
Quote
I know I've been there last week for a walk around and left with six pots of snowdrops.... the bug....has bitten.

And it only gets worse  ;D  ;D  ;D

Yes, much worse ::)
Brian Ellis, Brooke, Norfolk UK. altitude 30m Mintemp -8C

zorija

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Galanthus Identification
« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2011, 07:18:05 PM »
Complete newbie to this site so forgive my naivety.

My father passed away 13 months ago and he had a large collection of snowdrops. These were collected over a 30 year period from the leading snowdrop suppliers ( the Snowdrop co., Avon, John Morley, Cinderdene and others ). Father detailed his purchases with regards to the supplier, date and cost.
As a result sister and I dug up the 60 + clumps and you can guess - there were about 15 + clumps where the label had disappeared.
I have the Snowdrop Monograph by Matt Bishop, Aaron Davies and John Grimshaw, which has helped a bit but I'm still left with several unanswered queries.
In my search for another picture of 'Duckie' I came across this site and, having seen the quality of the posts/replies, thought I might have found the expertise that could help me in my quest for clarification/identification...
As an aside I have grown snowdrops for nearly 20 years and, having exchanged Dad's excess bulbs with Chris Ireland, I am building up a pretty good collection.

If I post some pictures will you be able to help me please???
Regards
Mark

Martin Baxendale

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2011, 07:33:23 PM »
Certainly Mark. Post some pics and we'll be happy to give our opinions. Though it's often difficult to positively identify snowdrops from photos, the fact that you know they're likely to be named cultivars makes it more likely that we can help.
Martin Baxendale, Gloucestershire, UK.

Maggi Young

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2011, 07:36:17 PM »
Welcome to the Forum, Mark . My condolences on the loss of your Father.
I do hope the 'drop fiends (or snowdrop enthusiasts, as I think they prefer to be called  ;)) will be able to help ID your pix. Please make the pictures about 760 pixels wide for best viewing on the forum.
You'll find this page has useful info for posting pictures if you are in any  doubt:
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2.msg360#msg360
Margaret Young in Aberdeen, North East Scotland Zone 7 -ish!

Editor: International Rock Gardener e-magazine

zorija

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #11 on: February 11, 2011, 07:43:43 PM »
Thanks for your responses...

I'll start loading up some pics on Sunday all being well - need to sort Mum out.

Regards

Mark

Maggi Young

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #12 on: February 11, 2011, 07:51:36 PM »
In your own time, Mark, no hurry.
Margaret Young in Aberdeen, North East Scotland Zone 7 -ish!

Editor: International Rock Gardener e-magazine

jnovis

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #13 on: February 11, 2011, 10:21:51 PM »
Hi all, can you confirm this is Gracilis.?
James (Jim) Novis,Horsham,West Sussex.

Paddy Tobin

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Re: Galanthus Identification
« Reply #14 on: February 11, 2011, 10:25:16 PM »
Jim,

I would normally look to the foliage for an identification of G. gracilis. The foliage is narrow and has a distinctive twist.

Paddy
Paddy Tobin, Waterford, Ireland

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