Six unusual varieties to try

‘Daphne’s Scissors’

Form of G. elwesii with the inner segments having a scissor-shaped green blotch. H: 15cm (6in). From www.lakelandsnowdrops.co.uk; tel: 07810 766725.

‘Desdemona’

Tallest and largest-flowered form of the Greatorex double hybrids. Good vigour. H: 20cm (8in). From www.macplants.co.uk; tel: 01875 341179.

‘Kite’

Later-flowering G. elwesii variety, often producing two flowers per stem. Greygreen leaves. H: 20cm (8in). From www.foxgroveplants.co.uk; tel: 07748 114729.

‘Diggory’

Distinctive, bowl-shaped, incurved flowers with textured petals. G. plicatus hybrid. H: 18cm (7in). From www.ashwoodnurseries.co. uk; tel: 01384 401996.

‘Elfin’

Early blooming, diminutive form of common snowdrop. Narrow outer segments. H: 7.5cm (3in). From www.harveysgardenplants.co.uk; tel: 01359 233363.

‘Spindlestone Surprise’

Reliable, vigorous variety of yellow snowdrop. Yellowgreen blotch. H: 20cm (8in) From www.lakelandsnowdrops.co.uk; tel: 07810 766725.