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Current Genus: Helleborus
Helleborus foetidus - Hellebore
The evergreen foliage is deeply divided on this upright Hellebore, and in early spring ghostly chartreuse flowers occasionally rimmed in red bloom over a long period. Grows two feet or so high and almost as wide in shade and well-drained soil. Z. 5-9
Helleborus niger - Christmas Rose
This beautiful winter-blooming perennial produces thick dark stalks which bear numerous white flowers amid dense evergreen foliage. In Europe, whence H. niger hails, it is known as the Christmas Rose, but with our colder winter temperatures, look for it to bloom anytime from February on. Plant in shade in uniformly moist but well-drained soil. Lime lightly in spring if soil is acidic. Z. (4)5-8
Helleborus odorus - Fragrant Hellebore
Small greenish-white flowers appear in very early spring. They are held outwards, and, unusual for a Hellebore, they have a slight but sweet fragrance. This species Hellebore reaches only a foot or so and appreciates sharply-drained soil in shade. Z. 5-8
Hybrid Hellebores - Helleborus x hybridus
We remember a few years ago that a customer laughed in disbelief when we told her about winter-blooming Perennials. But it_s true_anytime from January to March nodding stalks of bell-shaped or starburst flowers are in dazzling bloom over several weeks. And even if Hellebores didn_t bloom in winter, they would deserve a place in the garden for their handsome, deeply divided evergreen foliage. German plantswoman Gisela Schmiemann has been collecting seeds from superior Hellebores on numerous expeditions to eastern and southern Europe and then hybridizing and selecting the best of her crosses to yield exceptional Hellebores, including the various Lady strains. These seedlings display deeper color saturation, larger flowers, and more attractive foliage, in addition to hybrid vigor. It_s gratifying that so many other nurseries are now also making Hellebores available. It_s too bad, however, that theirs can_t compare with ours in vigor and size of flower. Hellebores prefer slightly acid or alkaline soil in a shady spot that is well drained. Plant away from strong winds, which will mar the flowers during the blooming season, and avoid transplanting, as they resent disturbance. A mature clump will measure about 2 feet across and 12-15 inches high. Keep in mind that these are seed-grown plants, and some plant-to-plant color variation can be expected. Occasionally the resulting color of an individual plant is completely unexpected, but at least 70% should come true. Our plants can be expected to bloom within 2 years. Z. 5-9
Helleborus x hybridus Apricot Blush - Hybrid Hellebore
Apricot is a complex color when expressed in Hellebores. It typically consists of a peachy yellow ground with rose striations and often a picotee edging, each flower displaying fascinating differences. We think you'll enjoy this strain immensely.
Helleborus x hybridus Black Diamond - Hybrid Hellebore
Single purple to near-black flowers with contrasting yellow stamens, and new foliage emerges purple in early spring as well before maturing to green.
Helleborus x hybridus Blue Lady Strain - Hybrid Hellebore
Seed-grown from blue-flowered plants. About 70% of these plants should bloom "blue," which, in Hellebore circles, means grayish lavender.
Helleborus x hybridus Cherry Blossom - Hybrid Hellebore
An exceptional seed strain of soft pink picotee flowers with a red starburst center, Cherry Blossom also boasts bright red veining on the front and back of the petals.
Helleborus x hybridus Golden Sunrise - Hybrid Hellebore
The flowers of this seed strain may be solid yellow or display a red starburst center. Most exhibit a degree of red veining or spotting.
Helleborus x hybridus Ivory Prince - Hybrid Hellebore
Exceptionally beautiful blue-green foliage may be as much of a draw as the abundant ivory flowers, which are streaked with rose and chartreuse. The flowers are held above the leaves on sturdy stalks, and they face outward, looking right at you! PP 16199
Helleborus x hybridus Onyx Odyssey - Hybrid Hellebore
Very large slate purple to near-black flowers are double with up to 20 petals per flower. You'll want to plant this one right near a path where you'll be sure to get a close-up look as the flowers open!
Helleborus x hybridus Peppermint Ice - Hybrid Hellebore
A vigorous seed strain with large double flowers of soft to medium pink with darker veining and a darker picotee edge. The backs of the flowers are also darker pink, adding to the sumptuousness of this strain.
Helleborus x hybridus Red Lady Strain - Hybrid Hellebore
Seed-grown from plants with large, red flowers. About 70% of these plants should bloom in red shades.
Helleborus x hybridus White Lady Spotted Strain - Hybrid Hellebore
This seed strain is one of our favorites. About 70% of these plants should bloom white with dark red spotted centers. Very appealing in the dead of winter!
