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Botanical Name:
Helleborus × hybridus cvs.
hel-LEB-or-us ex HY-brid-us
Common Name: Hellebore
Genus:
Helleborus
From late fall through winter, when much of the midwestern landscape is brown and dreary, the leathery leaves of hellebores remain shiny, cheerful, and green. Remove the previous season’s leaves in late winter before new growth appears. The flowers emerge in February or March, and are attractive for weeks—or even months, if the weather stays cool.
These hybrids of H. orientalis and other species have a clump-forming habit and leathery leaves. They begin blooming in mid-winter in a range of colors, adding much needed color very early in the season.
Noteworthy characteristics:
Can bloom when the temperature is below freezing, even amidst the snow. Protect from cold winter winds, especially when not insulated by snow, to avoid damaged foliage. Avoid ingestion of all plant parts and contact with the sap.
Care:
Best grown in humus-rich, neutral to alkaline, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers light to moderate shade. Tolerant of summer heat and humidity. Cut back flowering stems after bloom to promote new foliage growth. Locate plants in areas protected from cold winter winds.
Propagation:
Divide after flowering, or sow seeds in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. (Named cvs. will not come true from seed.)
Problems:
Slugs, snails, aphids, leaf spot, and black rot.
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Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken
