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How about a perennial that can start blooming before your earliest spring bulbs, continue flowering until your roses are almost ready and has great looking, deer resistant foliage for the rest of the year? Welcome to the world of hellebores!
Primarily native to Europe, hellebores are easy to care for and should appeal to both new and seasoned gardeners. They thrive in shade to partial shade and prefer a moist, but well-drained soil with sufficient organic matter. In this respect, hellebores are ideal woodland plants. You should not allow more than a few hours of direct morning sun or a sustained dry period.
Some of the common names for hellebores are Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) and Lenten rose (H. orientalis). These names are more useful in describing the approximate bloom time, as the plants are not in the rose family (Rosaceae), but in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). In my years of growing them, I have never noted any resemblance whatsoever to rose blooms!
Barry Glick, hellebore hybridizer of Sunshine Farm and Gardens in Renick, WV, recommends a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 and describes the plants as 'greedy feeders'. He likes to use timed-release fertilizers at the high end of the prescribed application range. I have gone years without fertilizing them at all however, and mine have done just fine, though my soil may be more fertile than the average.
Propagation may be done by seed or by division. Glick says patience is key when going the seed route, as it can take 2 - 4 years before you see your first flower. He recommends division be done in late fall or early spring. The plant should be lifted, the soil rinsed off and sharp cuts be made, assuring at least two buds on each rhizome. The new plants should flower in the following year or two.
Popular hellebore species include H. niger, the Christmas rose, which bears white flowers that are more upright than the blooms on many other species. These are the hardiest as well, reportedly growing in zone 3. Another popular species is H. foetidus, or stinking hellebore. Before you are tempted to say, 'I don't need no stinking hellebores!', you'll be relieved to learn that this is more legend than reality. Broken foliage is the purported offender, but I grow these and have never noticed any bad odor. This species sports some of the coolest foliage you will find. One variety I grow, 'Sopron', has bluish-green, thin palmate foliage with the flower stalks held high above. More popular than the species are the hybrids. Collectively known as Helleborus x hybridus, they are the product of crosses of H. orientalis and a number of other hellebore species. They have larger, wider palmate foliage and bloom colors that range from whites to pinks to practically black, deep purples. The flowers nod or droop, but it's well worth the effort to bend down and gently lift them, or to lay on the ground to photograph them, as I have done many times. So popular are the hybrids, they were chosen 2005 Perennial of the Year. They perform reliably in zones 4 - 7. As with many of the species, the foliage remains green throughout the winter, and looks great after the first snows of the season. By the end of the winter, however, the foliage gets a bit ratty and should be cut back to the base. By then the new season's flower stalks should be emerging. I have begun to use the hybrids as a reliable ground cover for shadier beds. In a mature clump, when the foliage reaches full size by mid-spring, it forms a virtual canopy about 18 - 24 inches high, that completely shades out any weeds. And unlike hostas, which I also use as ground cover, hellebores are untouched by rabbits or deer, both of which have pending eminent domain claims on my garden! The only drawback as a ground cover is the slow growth. It takes about three years to form a nice thick clump. They are wonderful companions to spring bulbs, as well as other shade dwellers. They work well under deciduous trees where the sun of late winter and early spring will bring attention to the blooms. The subsequent leafing out of the trees will then provide the necessary shading. Try to avoid trees with roots which lie close to the surface however, as they will compete with the hellebores for each drop of water.
Heavenly hellebores - one of the underused garden Superstars!
Photos: 1 - H. x hybridus 'Sunshine Selections'; 2 - H. 'Sunmarble'; 3 - H. foetidus 'Sopron' 4 - H. x hybridus 'Sunshine Selections'; 5 - H. x hybridus 'Sunshine Selections'
My background is in engineering, but these days I am a stay at home dad. I have always loved Nature, but had no idea when I bought my house that I would become the gardening fanatic that I have. Gardening both stimulates and relaxes me, appeals to all my senses and gives me the privilege to be part of the Nature I love.
Posted by Katye (from Sammamish, WA) on December 07, 2007 at 11:09 PM:
Victor - thank you for stirring the pot.
This is one of my favourite plants, and in my opinion, under-utilized.
I live in Hellebore Heaven, just outside Seattle. They take more sun here than other areas of the country, but we are known for our cooler summers as well as that pesky sun-deficit that looms large. My Corsicans & orientalis' are enormous & florific, AND, withstand the abuse of rapid-motion dog tails.
I appreciate the article that you've written - hopefully the result will be a greater interest & availability of this lovely & undemanding plant.
Next one: more pics!
kate
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 07, 2007 at 11:23 PM:
Thank you very much, Kate! I am already planning one on the hybridization process but maybe one just on the many varieties available - with more photos! Thanks again.
Regards,
Victor
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Posted by horsefly (from Warrenton, VA) on February 19, 2009 at 08:12 PM:
Hello Victor,
Im hoping that perhaps you have time to give me some tips on how to start Hellebores from seed? I have a large clump of them (3 x 6 feet) and every year they produce tons of seed. well maybe not tons, but at least 1/2 a cup's worth. I have saved the seed from last year, but I dont know how to get it sprouted - Ive tried to start new plants from seed (the year previously) and nothing happened, so I must be doing something wrong. This clump of Hellebores "came with the house" when we moved in - it was planted in FULL SUN - in Virginia? Ive been too chicken to move it - its doing fine and I dont want to accidently kill it.
I would love to start some new clumps of hellebores in the shade where they belong...
thanks very much!
-Amy P.
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on February 19, 2009 at 08:20 PM:
Hi Amy,
I wish I could help but I have no experience trying them from seeds. I have only heard from friends that the success rate is not very high. Someone sent me some last fall but I forgot to plant them! My intention was to saw them outside in the fall. I like to try to mimic Mother Nature. Sorry I could not help more.
Victor
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Posted by horsefly (from Warrenton, VA) on February 20, 2009 at 06:38 PM:
Yes, I tried that method and for good measure I also tried soaking and filing down some of the shell. I think youre right- it probably takes 1000 seeds to get one sprout! I thought I was on a roll last year when I actually found a peony tree seedling- sprouted from one only of 5 seeds that I had carefully soaked and planted - and yet, I am unable to get a single hellebore from seed! Well, thanks for writing and letting me know that maybe Im not doing anything wrong- its just difficult :)
If I get any, Ill let you know ...
Amy P.
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on February 20, 2009 at 06:40 PM:
You're welcome and good luck. Please let me know the secret if you are successful!
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Subject: Well written & very informative article!
Posted by DonnieBrook (from Monadnock Region, NH) on December 04, 2007 at 04:19 PM:
This is an extremely well-written article, Victor - combining very helpful information that can be easily understood by even the novice gardener and sharing your own experience that is in itself a very helpful insight to anyone wanting to try his or her hand with this lovely plant. Even though I have grown a helleborus in the edge of my NH woods, I lost it and now know what was likely the problem from reading your article. Your command of language and your appealing style of writing makes you a natural for providing us all with more articles! Very nicely done!!
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 04, 2007 at 07:38 PM:
Thank you Louise! Greatly appreciated. I am looking forward to many more as well!
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Posted by DonnieBrook (from Monadnock Region, NH) on December 04, 2007 at 09:58 PM:
Me too! Please make sure we know about them. I don't think to check the articles sometimes.
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Posted by darius (from So.Appalachian Mtns, VA) on January 13, 2008 at 10:44 AM:
Victor, I'm just now getting around to reading past articles. I LOVE the hellebores and you did a fine job with your article! I lost all my hellebores in my last several moves and now have a perfect place for them in the shade garden I am designing.
Thanks!
~darius
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on January 13, 2008 at 10:56 AM:
Thanks darius!
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Subject: Kudos
Posted by glickster (from Renick, WV) on December 03, 2007 at 12:58 PM:
Very well written article Victor, educating folks about my favorite plants.
Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 03, 2007 at 01:34 PM:
Thanks Barry! For the compliment, the assistance and most important - for bringing so many of these beauties to the public.
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Subject: I love them
Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on December 03, 2007 at 12:25 AM:
Victor, very nice article. I can't wait to see if my new hellebores bloom next spring. Whether or not they do, I will be getting more. They are so pretty! Your photographs are excellent.
~ jan
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 03, 2007 at 08:43 AM:
Thanks Jan!
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Posted by DonShirer (from Westbrook, CT) on December 03, 2007 at 10:16 AM:
Good article, Vic. I put in two six years ago, and next spring found some seedlings near them which have since grown into full sized plants. I thought Oboy, I'll get a whole bunch without any work. Only one since, though, so I guess I'll have to resort to division. Those new cultivars look tempting, too. They hold their flowers up so you can see them better.
This message was edited Dec 3, 2007 9:16 AM
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 03, 2007 at 01:33 PM:
Thanks Don. They sure are beautiful and there is a lot of variety in blooms and foliage.
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Subject: Great article, Victor
Posted by Candyce (from The Monadnock Region, NH) on December 02, 2007 at 11:37 AM:
Congratulations on a very well-written and nicely researched article, Victor!
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 02, 2007 at 11:41 AM:
Thank you Candyce!
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Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on December 02, 2007 at 12:04 PM:
Wonderful article filled with great information and your photos are fabulous! Thanks!
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Posted by debilu (from Fingerlakes Region, NY) on December 03, 2007 at 10:22 AM:
Impressive, as always, Victor.
I've been meaning to get some Hellebores for the last year or 2, saw a beautiful dark green flowered one in a catalog, but it was pricey. The local garden centers didn't have them this year, so I forgot to get some...
Looking forward to more from you!
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Posted by Sofonisba (from Putnam County, NY) on December 03, 2007 at 10:24 AM:
Nice going Victor!!! I gotta get me some Hellebores
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 03, 2007 at 01:45 PM:
Thanks ladies!
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Posted by lorettamar (from Southold, NY) on December 03, 2007 at 07:10 PM:
Great article, Victor. It really makes me want to get some hellebores now.
Loretta
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 03, 2007 at 07:25 PM:
Thank you Loretta. They're well worth it!
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Posted by elsie (from Lafayette, NJ) on December 03, 2007 at 08:51 PM:
Victor, I really enjoyed your article. I remember somewhere you saying you had good results with your plants as ground cover. I am new to Hellebores and I only have three of them, but they are growing very well. I'm glad I stumbled upon the NE thread that mentions your article.
Now I guess I must get me some more.
I figured I should post since we Loretta's must stick together. LOL
Thanks, Loretta
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 03, 2007 at 09:31 PM:
Another Loretta! Thank you. Yes - the hybrid ones are working well as a ground cover in an area where foot traffic is not an issue.
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Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on December 04, 2007 at 06:12 AM:
Great article Victor :) Added a few to the gardens this year and after reading your article - I want more!
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 04, 2007 at 08:46 AM:
Thanks Debbie.
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Posted by lorettamar (from Southold, NY) on December 04, 2007 at 11:23 AM:
Hi, Loretta.
from Loretta
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Posted by elsie (from Lafayette, NJ) on December 04, 2007 at 06:16 PM:
Hi Loretta,
You have good taste in authors.
Loretta
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Subject: You've peaked my interest
Posted by UniQueTreasures (from Beaumont, TX) on December 02, 2007 at 06:48 AM:
Thank you for a wonderful read on these pretty flowers. I've never heard of Hellebores. The only ones I've ever seen are the pretty little pink buttercup variety seen that grow wild and I've always enjoyed those. From childhood to "grandmotherhood", I cannot count the number of times that I've come inside the house, only to find an orange nose as I look in the mirror, from smelling these pretty buttercups.
You've peaked my interest in the many varieties of this beautiful plant. I wonder how well some of those darker beauties would do in Southeast Texas.
Janet
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Posted by pixie62560 (from South China, ME) on December 02, 2007 at 10:26 AM:
Well done Victor! I have never bought them, but more than likely will be ordering some for next year. Now I know they like a woodland setting, I have just the spot for them. Thank you!!!
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 02, 2007 at 11:13 AM:
Thanks to both of you!
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Posted by soapwort243 (from South Milwaukee, WI) on December 02, 2007 at 06:50 PM:
You peaked my interest in them also. I would like to try them. Great article !
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 02, 2007 at 11:23 PM:
Thank you.
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Posted by heavenscape (from JayeVille, NC) on December 05, 2007 at 02:02 PM:
Victor, great article! You have certainly aroused my interest too. Gonna stretch my zone a l'il and order a couple. Will keep a journal on them.
Thanks again, Vic.
~Jaye
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 05, 2007 at 02:27 PM:
Thank you Jaye!
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Subject: Sopron
Posted by Jnette (from Northeast, WA) on December 02, 2007 at 02:29 AM:
Victor,
I never knew what the name of that Hellebore was. I have had it now for about 4 years and it does keep getting larger but has not bloomed. What does it look like to bloom? I also have one that is somewhat like that but variegated I really like it and it has bloomed but just a plain white blossom that doesn't show much.
Your post is very interesting. I have a large clump of the bottom one you picture. It is about 8 years old and blooms very good. White with hints of green. Then I have one like it that blooms purple. I guess I should learn the names but just enjoy them.
Jeanette
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 02, 2007 at 11:17 AM:
Thank you Jeanette. 'Sopron' gets creamy greenish flowers.
