A single snowdrop bulb has been sold for a record £1,850.

An unnamed collector bought the Galanthus plicatus – “Golden Tears” – on eBay.

The bulb was created by horticulturalist Joe Sharman – known as the “King of the Snowdrops”.

Previously, Mr Sharman, from Cambridgeshire, sold a snowdrop bulb for £1,390.

The bulb – called “Golden Fleece” took 18 years to develop and perfect.

The new Golden Tears variety is from the same genetic line as Golden Fleece.

The updated version has its petals in a distinctive “pixie hat” shape.

The record-breaking bulb will probably be dissected by its new owners and the parts propagated into several plants.

Mr Sharman has previously said of the challenges growing snowdrops:

“Security is a big problem.

“I know people who have opened their gardens and had everything stolen.

“I don’t open my garden or nursery.

“But stealing snowdrops is like stealing a Van Gogh.

“If it’s rare, all the galanthophiles [snowdrop lovers] will know who propagated it and where it was stolen from.”