Rare, colourful snowdrops that command high prices in markets attracting numerous buyers
In the heart of Northumberland, a natural phenomenon unfolds annually, as wild clumps of yellow snowdrops, or 'halfers', burst forth from the frosty ground. Known as 'yellows' among snowdrop enthusiasts, or galanthophiles, these rare beauties are highly sought after for their unique colouration, which sets them apart from the classic white snowdrops typically associated with the genus.
The secret to the yellow snowdrop's striking hue lies in its lack of chlorophyll, the green pigment present in all plants. This peculiarity means that these snowdrops must rely on other means to gather energy, making them somewhat hesitant to grow.
One of the most renowned yellow snowdrops is Galanthusnivalis f. pleniflorus 'Lady Elphinstone', a double yellow snowdrop that dates back to 1890 and stands at just 12cm tall. Another exceptional variety is Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Fleece', bred over ten years by Joe Sharman and sold for £1,390 in 2015. In more recent years, a single bulb of Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Tears' fetched an impressive £1,850 in 2022.
While Galanthus nivalis (Sandersii Group) is distinguished by its yellow ovary and inner petal markings, standing at 15cm tall, and Galanthus 'Wendy's Gold' offers inner segments that can be slightly greenish yellow on first opening before changing to pure yellow, these varieties are not considered true yellow snowdrops. Galanthus 'Wendy's Gold' is awarded the AGM (Award of Garden Merit) and can be purchased for around £20.
True yellow snowdrop varieties are not commercially available, and snowdrop bulbs with yellow colourations are rare. If offered, they would be found only through specialist and rare plant markets, with prices reflecting their scarcity. Standard white snowdrops, on the other hand, are widely available and affordable.
For those interested in acquiring rare yellow snowdrop bulbs, specialist bulb nurseries or rare plant societies may occasionally list unique cultivars. Some recommended sources include Morlas Plants (www.morlasplants.co.uk) and Edulis Nursery (edulis.co.uk).
Other notable yellow snowdrop varieties include Galanthus gracilis 'Ronald Mackenzie', a beautiful yellow snowdrop with delicate inner markings, and Galanthus 'Primrose Warburg', an easy-to-grow variety with an eye-catching yellow ovary. Galanthus plicatus 'Bill Clark' is a rare and sought-after variety with bright yellow ovary and inner markings, while Galanthus x valentinei 'Dryad Gold Ribbon' offers a late-flowering, rounded bloom with a large, yellow, inverted heart on the inner segments.
To get the best out of a 'yellow', the bulbs should be grown outside in a location that enjoys a lot of winter sun. With patience and care, these elusive gems can bring a touch of golden brilliance to even the coldest winter days.
The lack of chlorophyll in the yellow snowdrop makes it unique, as it relies on other means to gather energy and grows hesitantly. Galanthusnivalis f. pleniflorus 'Lady Elphinstone' and Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Fleece' are renowned yellow snowdrop varieties, with 'Lady Elphinstone' dating back to 1890 and 'Golden Fleece' fetching a high price in 2015. However, true yellow snowdrop varieties, like Galanthus gracilis 'Ronald Mackenzie' and Galanthus 'Primrose Warburg', are not commercially available and are rare; they can be found through specialist bulb nurseries or rare plant societies such as Morlas Plants and Edulis Nursery.
