Even though we have been having some dark and gloomy days outside, our greenhouses have been filled with an abundance of Spring Color. The vibrant colors of the Tulips, Daffodils, Camellias and Fritillaries, mixed with the heady fragrance of the Hyacinths and Skimmias has made this season outstanding. One of the highlights this year is the new Hellebores. Often referred to as The Christmas or Lenten Rose, not because of its relationship to the rose but rather the time in which it blooms, this plant can make the dreariest day seem bright.
These hardy plants are frost resistant and their leathery serrated evergreen leaves form a dark green mound that showcases the most amazing blooms. Of the many varieties, the Hellebore orientalis is the most popular and like the snow drop is the welcome harbinger of Spring. Hybridising the Hellebore orientalis with several other closely related species and subspecies has vastly improved and expanded both the color range and shape of the flowers.
The Royal Hertiage series is a beautiful hybrid strain that produces a wide range of sumptuous colors from the white, light pink and pale green, to deeper shades of red or to a deep purple almost black flower. This variety is grown from seed and in 2005 was chosen as Perennial plant of the year, not only for its beauty but because it is hardy, deer and rabbit resistant and very easy to maintain. It is a taller variety at 30 inches and spread of 18”.
The Hellebore Golden Collection is propagated vegetatively, not from seed. The HGC guarantees variety identity and uniformity and must pass stringent criteria over the years to insure the best of their species. Two fine examples are ‘Plantinum Rose’ with its bright rose buds which open to creamy flowers that later fade to dusty rose and ‘Champion’ which has large creamy white flowers. This sturdy variety is more compact at 8-12” tall and spreads to 8 inches
Although Hellebores have always been reliable plants for the shade or woodland garden, it wasn’t until recently that there have been dramatic changes. Thanks to
Marietta O’Byrne in Oregon, Hellebores have become a whole lot more interesting. By selecting and hand-pollinating the best specimens from around the world, she has created some of the most sensational fully double Hellebores in an amazing range of colors. We are excited to be growing and selling many of these new ‘Winter Jewel’ series.
‘Amber Gem’ is a double apricot dream with its pale green center, yellow hues and Peach edging. ‘Berry Swirl’ forms clusters of double blooms in pink and purple shades. The exquisite ‘Rose Quartz’ looks dramatic with double pure white petals and delicate pink picotee edging. Gorgeous. On the darker side is ‘Onyx Odyssey’ sporting purple and black flowers which don’t fade to green.
‘Sparkling Diamond’ has fully double snow white blooms with an apple green center and ‘Cotton Candy’ has double soft pink fluffy flowers. All of them are spectacular and stay compact.
Plant care: Hellebores are perfect for naturalizing in the woodland garden, preferring partial to full shade and good drainage. Water well to establish a good root system, add some compost and after that will need very little care. Choose your site carefully to give it a permanent home, as it does not like to be moved. Remove any dead leaves to keep it tidy. It has a long bloom time of 6 or more weeks and can be used as a cut flower. You can also use it as a border flower or in containers.
These lovely new varieties are on display now at our Nursery. They are even more beautiful up close and personal amid all the wonderful displays. Time to chase away the grey of Winter and celebrate the start of Spring.
Happy Gardening.
Ellen
These hardy plants are frost resistant and their leathery serrated evergreen leaves form a dark green mound that showcases the most amazing blooms. Of the many varieties, the Hellebore orientalis is the most popular and like the snow drop is the welcome harbinger of Spring. Hybridising the Hellebore orientalis with several other closely related species and subspecies has vastly improved and expanded both the color range and shape of the flowers.
The Royal Hertiage series is a beautiful hybrid strain that produces a wide range of sumptuous colors from the white, light pink and pale green, to deeper shades of red or to a deep purple almost black flower. This variety is grown from seed and in 2005 was chosen as Perennial plant of the year, not only for its beauty but because it is hardy, deer and rabbit resistant and very easy to maintain. It is a taller variety at 30 inches and spread of 18”.
The Hellebore Golden Collection is propagated vegetatively, not from seed. The HGC guarantees variety identity and uniformity and must pass stringent criteria over the years to insure the best of their species. Two fine examples are ‘Plantinum Rose’ with its bright rose buds which open to creamy flowers that later fade to dusty rose and ‘Champion’ which has large creamy white flowers. This sturdy variety is more compact at 8-12” tall and spreads to 8 inches
Although Hellebores have always been reliable plants for the shade or woodland garden, it wasn’t until recently that there have been dramatic changes. Thanks to
Marietta O’Byrne in Oregon, Hellebores have become a whole lot more interesting. By selecting and hand-pollinating the best specimens from around the world, she has created some of the most sensational fully double Hellebores in an amazing range of colors. We are excited to be growing and selling many of these new ‘Winter Jewel’ series.
‘Amber Gem’ is a double apricot dream with its pale green center, yellow hues and Peach edging. ‘Berry Swirl’ forms clusters of double blooms in pink and purple shades. The exquisite ‘Rose Quartz’ looks dramatic with double pure white petals and delicate pink picotee edging. Gorgeous. On the darker side is ‘Onyx Odyssey’ sporting purple and black flowers which don’t fade to green.
‘Sparkling Diamond’ has fully double snow white blooms with an apple green center and ‘Cotton Candy’ has double soft pink fluffy flowers. All of them are spectacular and stay compact.
Plant care: Hellebores are perfect for naturalizing in the woodland garden, preferring partial to full shade and good drainage. Water well to establish a good root system, add some compost and after that will need very little care. Choose your site carefully to give it a permanent home, as it does not like to be moved. Remove any dead leaves to keep it tidy. It has a long bloom time of 6 or more weeks and can be used as a cut flower. You can also use it as a border flower or in containers.
These lovely new varieties are on display now at our Nursery. They are even more beautiful up close and personal amid all the wonderful displays. Time to chase away the grey of Winter and celebrate the start of Spring.
Happy Gardening.
Ellen
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