This snowdrop species has a fairly small distribution area in the southern Turkish province of Mersin. Galanthus cilicicus was first mentioned by Baker in 1897. In the following 100 years or so, however, the plant was regarded as a subspecies of Galanthus nivalis. It was only with modern DNA analysis in 2004 that it was possible to show the clear differences to Galanthus nivalis and thus prove that it is an separate species. The grey-green leaves are indeed reminiscent of those of an oversized Galanthus nivalis, but botanically the species is related to Galanthus elwesii. Galanthus cilicicus is also closely related to Galanthus peshmenii, which also originates from southern Turkey.

Not many varieties of Galanthus cilicicus are known. In general, the species is quite rare in collections. Due to the fact that the plants are quite susceptible to frost, either a thick blanket of snow or a technical measure to protect them from frost must be available for successful cultivation.

Galanthus cilicicus flowers comparatively early. The main flowering period is in December. In very cold weather with snowfall, the flowering period shifts further into spring.