Last fall as I was putting together an order for tulips, I came across this description of the snowdrop 'Magnet' in the Old House Gardens catalog: "One of the most popular snowdrops for over a century, this strong-growing beauty holds its flowers on unusually long pedicels which, in the words of the great E.A. Bowles, “causes them to swing to and fro in a slight breeze,” making it especially graceful and “easily recognized even from a distance.”
I decided I'd take a chance and got ten bulbs of Galanthus 'Magnet.' This snowdrop is a gem! Every single one has come up and they are gorgeous. Very big showy flowers dance and dangle from the long pedicle just as described. Measuring from petal to petal, these flowers are just over an inch and a half long (3.81 cm)!
OHG is planning to offer "one different, extra-special snowdrop every year from now on." Wish I'd bought more 'Magnets,' but can't wait to see what they will offer next.
Look at the difference in flower size and shape as well as pedicle of the following two snowdrops if you think they all look the same. Galanthus 'Straffan' below and G. nivalis 'Flore Pleno' at the bottom.
Full disclosure: As a garden writer I do get a discount on OHG bulb purchases. Discount or no, OHG has been one of my favorite nurseries since the day I discovered them. If you like gardens AND history, there's no one quite like them.
These are little beauties. I can just imagine them wiggling in the wind.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Tuesday, April 07, 2015 at 06:33 AM
What pretty little things your new snowdrops are. They look like little propellers.
Posted by: Rock Rose | Tuesday, April 07, 2015 at 09:37 PM