Evergreen Hellebores | Mike's Garden Top 5 Plants Mike's Garden Top 5 Plants Posted on February 13, 2012 by soulofagardener Helleborus niger ‘Double Fashion’ – A rare new Dutch introduction with semi-double blooms of pure white with a smaller inner row of petals surrounding contrasting yellow stamens. This form of Christmas Rose flowers mid-winter through to early spring. ‘Double Fashion’ grows 12 to 16″ high and is tissue cultured. Hardy to zone 4. Helleborus x ballardiae ‘Pink Frost’ – A pink companion to ‘Ivory Prince’ which bears rosy buds that open to pale pink flowers, which fade to a gorgeous burgundy-red. These are nicely contrasted by evergreen foliage with some silver highlights. This heavy bloomer flowers from January to March and grows up to 15″ high. ‘Pink Frost’ is part of the HGC collection. Zone 5. Helleborus ‘Ivory Prince’ (syn. ‘Walhelivor’) – A vigorous cultivar with ivory-green flowers that eventually fade with rose highlights.

It has an upright habit with outward facing blooms and is also sterile, so self-seeding won’t be a problem. ‘Ivory Prince’ blooms from January to April and features compact bluish-green foliage. Grows 12-18″ high and is hardy to zone 4. Helleborus x ericsmithii ‘Winter Sunshine’ – This niger x sternii cross tolerates more sun than most Hellebores with upright flowers that emerge white (with a pink reverse). The outward facing blooms fade with rich pink tones, with the flower season usually beginning in February. ‘Winter Sunshine’ grows 18-22″ high and is hardy to zone 4. Helleborus niger ‘Jacob’ – This improved Christmas Rose is part of the HGC or Helleborus Gold Collection. It features early blooming (late November to February) single white flowers that are slightly fragrant and fade to green as they age. These are held over attractive deep green leathery foliage which prefers good air circulation. Grows 12 to 14″ tall and is hardy to zone 4.

Share this: Plants Poisonous to Livestock - Cornell University Department of Animal Science Picture 1. Helleborus niger Introduction - availability Seasonal decoration often brings plants and flowers into our homes, including homes that normally lack the year round green oasis that house plants provide. The distribution of Christmas decorative plants is thereby broader than that of regular house plants. Unfortunately, many of these plants are toxic and provide a hazard to our playful family members.Their often attractive appearance increases the likelihood of being eaten by children. For pets the risk is greater simply due to increased availability. Thus, we would like consumers to be aware of the threat that their beautiful Christmas decorations might provide if attention is not paid to keeping these plants out of the reach of children and pets. In Europe Helleborus niger is considered one of the most traditional and noble seasonal plants of the Christmas time. Serious poisoning following ingestion is rare. The knowledge of the powerful toxicity or rather the medicinal potential of Christmas rose goes back to the Middle Ages, when it was extensively used by herbalists, and even to earlier times. Theophrastus (Greek philosopher, c.

372-287 BC., "the father of Botany") and Dioscorides (Greek physician, 1st century AD., author of De Materia Medica) have mentioned Christmas rose in their works. Pliny has mentioned the use of H. niger as early as in 1400 BC. by a soothsayer and physician Melampus, after whom the plant has sometimes been referred to as "melampode". Description of the plant Classification and nomenclature Botanically, Christmas rose is classified to belong to the plant family Ranunculacae - the Buttercup Family, in which it fits well having the characteristic flower and fruit morphology. The scientific name Helleborus derives from the Greek name for H. orientalis "helleboros"; "elein" to injure and "bora" food. Niger refers to the black color of the roots of the Christmas rose plant. The name Helleborus niger was given to the plant by Carl von Linné. Common names of H.

niger include black hellebore, Christmas rose and Easter rose (Finnish: jouluruusu, Swedish: Julros, German: Schwarze Nieswurz, Christrose, French: Hellébore noir, Rose de Noel, Italian: Elleboro nero, Fava di lupo, Rosa di Natale. Characteristics Christmas rose is an evergreen rhizomatous perennial reaching 35 cm (13,5 in.) in height. In its native habitat, the Christmas rose flowers from December through April, the season when snow is escaping leaving open spots for the first spring makers to grow, each clump producing groups of 2 or 3 large nodding flowers. By the end of and during the flowering season part of the old leaves die (lasting only for one year) and new ones begin to grow. Also the new flower buds are formed within the short growth season, generally from February through May. The growth season of Christmas rose is thus short; four to five months. Picture 2. H. niger in early summer. H. niger produces a floral stalk but no true leafy stems.

LEAVES: The leaves are basal, persistent, alternate, palmately cleft, with long petioles. They consist of 7-9 leaflets which are dark green, shiny, tough, narrow and lanceolate. FLOWERS: Very few-flowered; showy flowers, usually borne singly on red-spotted peduncles, are white (suffused in pink), sepals: 5, large petaloid; petals small, turbular, claved; stamens: numerous, the outer 8-10 modified into staminoides; pistils: usually 3 or 4; style: erect, slender. Picture 3. H. niger (graph after Werner and Ebel, 1994) ROOTS: Rootstock is short, black. FRUIT: Fruit is a follicle. Gardening Christmas rose is cultivated as an ornamental garden plant in temperate climates. It is a durable, cold-hardy shrub thriving in partially shaded, moist situations in good soil. It has been introduced throughout the US. Picture Distribution of H.

niger (Werner and Ebel, 1994) For use as Christmas decoration Christmas roses are propagated both for potted plant and cut flower production. Distribution Christmas rose is native to mountainous regions (400-1,800 m - sometimes even up to 2,300 m) and open woodlands on chalky, porous, stony clay soils in Southern and Central Europe, particularly in Southern and Eastern Alps, the Carpathians and Northern Italy. It is often found in the shade of spruce, birch, oak and beech forests. Related species H. viridis green hellebore (sepals are green), winter-aconite Garden plant; summer green rhizomatous perennial; native in Central and Western Europe: northern Spain and northern Italy through western France and central Germany to southern England; mountainous regions up to 1,600 m (the Alps) or 2,400 (the Pyrennins), mainly in shady warm spots in beech forests, chalky and porous soil; produces an erect stem with 2-4 drooping green flowers. Cardiotonic effects (helleborin) similar to H.

niger, very toxic, violently emetic (causes vomiting), laxative and rubefacient. H. foetidus stinking hellebore Garden plant, evergreen, relatively short-living perennial; native in South-Western Europe: from southern Italy and southern Spain through western Germany and France to southern England, mountain regions, temperate climate. Flowers are deep read; native in the area of the former Yugoslavia. Picture: The Phylogenetic tree of Helleborus sp. (Werner and Ebel, 1994) Phylogenetic tree Helleborus species are generally divided into two groups: Caulescentes have elongated, leafy, usually dicyclic stems and they grow in the mild winter climate of the Mediterranean-Atlantic range. The group Scapigeri, in which also H. niger belongs to, is derived from the Caulescentes. Scapigeri have basal leaves and grow mainly in the submediterranean to south-temperate climates. The new classification, based on the structural characteristics, divides hellebores in subfamilies Helleborus and Helleborastum. Toxicity The entire Christmas rose-plant is toxic.

Out of all the organs particularly the rhizome contains ill-defined compounds. The powerful toxins present are not destroyed in drying or storage. Both animals and humans are affected. Hellebores are said to have a burning taste. All Helleborus sp. are claimed to be toxic. Some current authors propose lack of the effective cardiac glycosides in H. niger and suggest that the prior knowledge on the presence of these compounds in effective concentrations is derived from the use of preparatives contaminated by H. viridis, the powerful toxicity of which is also currently proven. Whether there is wide diversity in the presence of effective toxins among H. niger strains is not known. The plants in the family Ranunculaceae contain a variety of powerful toxins. The toxic compounds found in H. niger in addition to cardiac glycosides helleborin, hellebrin and helleborein include saponosides and the ranunculoside derivative, protoanemonine. Poisonous substances Ranunculosides Symptoms Hellebore poisoning is rare. Generally, the cardiac glycosides present are responsible for poisonings causing digitalis-like (ref.

Digitalis purpurea , foxglove) effects: bradycardia, prolonged P-R interval, idioventicular rhythm, bundle-branch block, venticular fibrillation and asystole. H. viridis, the green hellebore and H. foetidus, the stinking hellebore (both used in garden settings) cause poisoning similar to that of H. niger. Some authors claim that the cardiac symptoms reported are likely to be caused by the other Helleborus species rather than by H. niger. Especially mixing of root preparatives with H. viridis is suggested. The high amounts of ranunculin or protoanemonin in the leaves (presence agreed by all authors), stems and flowers of H. niger are responsible for the skin (dermatitis, following exposure to bruised root material, leaves, stems and flowers), eye (powdered root) and gastrointestinal irritations (following ingestion): salivation, mouth and throat tingling, abdominal pain, vomiting, purging, diarrhea.

Some authors describe symptoms following ingestion of Christmas rose such as slow, irregular pulse, weakness, labored breathing, irregular heart beat, convulsions, respiratory failure and nervous system disturbances such as delirium, convulsions and even death due to respiratory collapse. Cure A 38-year old woman has been reported to recover from ingestion of H. viridis buds, that she mistook to be wild asparagus, after administration of lidocaine, magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride. Medicinal Application In the ancient times hellebore was an appreciated medicinal plant with miraculous curative effects especially on mental disorders. External treatment of lice is among the ancient uses. It also shares the reputation as a classic poison with hemlock, nightshade and aconite. In Africa it has been used as an arrow poison. For medicinal applications only rhizome is used as a source (Rhizoma Hellebori). The modern medicine has almost forgotten the curative properties of hellebore. Treating intestinal worms lasted into the 18th century. The only drawback was that the patient might end up being killed together with the worms.

Hellebrigenine has been used as a cardiotonic to complement digitalin and strophanthin. The rhizome is used to treat some skin ulcers. Hellebore preparatives have also been used as an emetic, diuretic, emmenagoge and irritant. In addition, the earlier uses of hellebore include use as a purgative, local anesthetic and abortive. These applications have been abandoned, except in veterinary treatment where a decoction is still used to treat mange. Homeopathic medicine uses a tincture (= alcoholic extract, the alcohol inhibits enzymes thereby preventing the break down of e.g. protoanemonine) prepared from the rhizome to treat eclampsia, epilepsy, certain psychoses, and to combat meningitis and encephalitis. Legends One of the many legends around Christmas rose tells a story of a country girl named Madelon. She visits the Christ child in Betlehem, but is sad for not having a gift to bring him. An angel that sees her sadness, brings her outside and touches the ground. The first Christmas rose arises on the spot touched by the angel. Madelon now has a gift to bring.

Other toxic Christmas decorations Holly Ilex aquifolium The evergreen leaves are dark and shiny, together with the bright red berries they make a popular Christmas decoration. The plant contains several glycosides, such as a bitter compound, ilicin. The leaves contain theobromine (also present in tea), which affects the heart. Only little is known about other toxins (saponins, triterpene compounds) present in this plant or of their toxic action. The red berries, not uncommonly eaten by children at the Christmas time, are toxic. When eaten in greater numbers, persistent vomiting and diarrhea follows. Two berries is reported to cause nausea. 20-30 berries has suggested to be fatal, but no reported cases exist. If a child eats more than 2 to 3 berries induced vomiting as soon as possible is recommended. Lily of the Valley Convallaria majalis Used for its delicate appearance and strong beautiful fragrance. In nature lily of the valley blooms in late May - June, at Christmas time it brings delights of the summer in our minds.

The entire plant contains powerful glycosides: convallarin, convallatoxin, convallamarin among others, and also toxins from other groups like saponosides. The toxins of this plant have cardiotonic, antispasmodic, purgative and diuretic properties. Most toxifications result from ingestion of the attractive red berries by children. Drinking of the vase water has also caused poisoning. Reported symptoms following ingestion of parts of the lily of the valley plant include: burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain; headache, dilated pupils, mental disturbance, decreased pulse rate, irregular or slow heart beat, clammy skin, collapse, coma, circulatory failure and even death due to heart failure. Serious poisoning is rare, vomiting limits the adsorption of the toxins. Mistletoe Viscum album Haven't we all kissed under the mistletoe? The toxic compounds found in mistletoe are proteins viscotoxin A and B. Leaves and stems are said to be more toxic than the white decorative berries. Mistletoe is a partial parasite growing on many types of trees. Interestingly its toxicity varies upon the tree it grows on.

Children sometimes eat the berries leading to mild to severe stomach ache. Reactions following mistletoe ingestion are very variable, serious toxifications are rare but even fatal poisonings have been reported both for human and pets. Suggested treatment: induced vomiting. Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima Used as Christmas decoration due to colourful leaves just beneath the small actual flowers. The milky sap, characteristic to the broad family of Euphorbiaceae contains poisonous diterpene esters that are persistent even when dried. Poinsettias are often mentioned to be highly toxic, however, the recent studies have failed to show toxic effects. It should nevertheless be kept in mind that toxicity of any substance is subject to dose. Whether high variation in toxicity within poinsettia strains and susceptibility within individuals exist is not known and thus carefulness is suggested. Nausea, burning of the mouth and vomiting has been reported to have followed accidental ingestion of poinsettia by some children, others remaining symptomless. A dog has reported to gain fatal poisoning after poinsettia ingestion. Never ignore the risk of small children and pets ingesting plants in their reach. References Literature cited in this work: BOOKS Alber, J.I.

and Alber, D.M., Baby Safe House plants and Cut Flowers - A Guide to Keeping Children and Plants Safely Under the same Roof, Storey Communications, Inc., Vermont 1993, 188 p. Coombes, A.J., Dictionary of Plant Names, Timber Press, Portland (Oregon) 1994, 195 p. Cooper, M.R. and Johnson, A.W., Poisonous Plants and Fungi - An Illustrated Guide, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, HMSO, 3rd ed., London 1994, 134 p. Hill, R.J. and Folland, D., Poisonous Plants of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg 1986, 175 p. Schauenberg, P. and Paris, F., Guide to Medicinal Plants, Keats Publishing Inc., New Canaan (Connecticut) 1990, 349 p. Westbrooks, R.G. and Preacher, J.W., Poisonous Plants of Eastern North America, University of South Carolina Press, 1986, p.

ARTICLES Gelmetti, P., L'elleboro (cenni storici), Policlinico. Sezione pratica, 75 (1968) 596-599 Werner, K. and Ebel, F., Zur Lebensgeschichte der Gattung Helleborus L. (Ranunculaceae), Flora 189 (1994) 97-130 Hellebore Hellebore Vegetables & Herbs HELLEBORE Here in the Pacific Northwest the blooming of hellebores is a favorite late winter reminder that spring is right around the corner. The genus of Helleborus is comprised of 15 different species and belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Hellebores are perennial and largely evergreen. Their flowers provide color and interest in the shade garden when other plants are dormant. In addition, their leaf structure is interesting enough to make them a foundation of the shade garden year-round, even when their flowers are spent. Hellebores are also deer resistant and somewhat drought tolerant.

Hellebores are usually low growing plants with short-stemmed, often toothed, palmate foliage. Their most impressive feature is their five-petal bowl-shaped flowers which appear from late winter into spring in colors as diverse as apricot, yellow, green, metallic blue, slate, dusky pink, maroon and white. In addition, petals may be spotted or picoteed, referring to the narrow band of darker color found on the edge of the petals. Some varieties feature double-petalled flowers, giving them a nostalgic rose-like quality. See our features on the Winter Jewel Series and the Gold Collection of Hellebores. Some of our favorite species of hellebores are described in greater detail below. Helleborus argutifolius Known as the Corsican hellebore, this species is evergreen and hardy to Zone 6 with good protection. This species has light green leaves with many light green colored flowers displayed on stalks. Leaves are divided into three leaflets that are toothed in texture with spiny margins. This is an attractive low maintenance species that provides lots of winter interest. Noteworthy varieties include ‘Silver Lace’ which is a new variety with silver foliage and creamy flowers.

Helleborus foetidus Known as the Stinking Hellebore, this species is evergreen and known to be pungent if crushed. Originating from Britain to Hungary, this species has dark green leaves with 5 to 13 narrow leaflets. Flowers are light green to red-tinted and erect with conspicuous leafy bracts. This species is very hardy and a good garden plant once established. Varieties carried by Portland Nursery include ‘Wester Flisk,’ 'Aromatique,’ ‘Giant Form,’ ‘Gold Bullion’ and ‘Red Silver.’ Helleborus niger Known as the Christmas Rose, the Helleborus niger is winter to spring flowering, evergreen and native to the Alps of northern Italy to southern Germany. Leaves of this species are dark green, leathery and divided into 7 to 9 leaflets. Flowers have pinkish buds opening to white with a green center. This species is hardy to Zone 3 with protection.

Varieties carried by Portland Nursery include 'Josef Lemper', 'Honeyhill Joy' and 'Praecox.' Helleborus orientalis Known commonly as the Lenten rose, this species is a semi-evergreen winter-flowering species from northern Turkey and Greece. Leaves are coarsely serrated and flowers are variable from pure white to red-black, often with spotting. This species is commonly hybridized with other species to form Helleborus x hybridus which results in varieties as diverse in color as apricot, blue, black and maroon red. Portland Nursery carries a changing variety of many types listed below. Helleborus x hybridus - Largely a hybrid of Helleborus orientalis and another species such as H. cyclophyllus, H. odorus, H. purpurascens or H. viridis. Most varieties are variable and represent selected seedling material with an eye towards different flower colors. Typical flower colors include white, pink, rose, reddish-purple, deep purple and even black.

These hybrids are very popular and include cultivars such as 'Gepunktete' (pictured in sidebar) which is intensely spotted and series such as Mardi Gras (black, green, slate, white and yellow flowers) and(apricot, double pink, double white, double purple, green, pink and yellow flowers -- single purple pictured) which each have a range of colors. Hellebore ‘Ivory Prince’ Another popular hybrid is Hellebore ‘Ivory Prince.’ Officially known as Hellebore ‘Walhelivor PPAF,’ this hellebore is a hybrid of two other hybrids, ‘x nigercors’ and ‘x ericsmithii.’ Noteworthy are its upright blooming cream and pink colored flowers, as well as its light-green serrated leaves with red stems. “Royal Heritage” is a strain that is known for its wide diversity of colors and patterns on large two-inch wide pendulous flowers. Hellebore hybrid 'Red Lady' Genus: Helleborus Common Name: Hellebore, Lenten Rose, Christmas Rose Origin: Temperate zones from Europe to Western China; many grow in the Balkan region of Southeastern Europe.

Culture: Most prefer woodland conditions with deep, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil and dappled shade. Hellebores can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions as long as plants have good drainage. Maintenance: Easy to grow in the shade garden. They are an excellent companion for hostas, woodland flowers, ferns and other shade-loving plants. Many hellebores are evergreen but benefit from having old foliage removed before they bloom in late winter to early spring. In the shadiest conditions plants may be smaller and flowering may be sparse. In addition, they don’t like to be divided or transplanted. Pest and Disease: Hellebores have few problems with disease but they are susceptible to black fungal rot. Keep an eye out for aphids. Slugs and snails also are known to attack young growth. Hellebore hybrid 'Double Queen' Christmas rose - Helleborus niger by Graham Rice Helleborus niger Helleborus niger Linn. The Christmas rose is the best known and certainly the showiest of the species hellebores; it has long been associated with Christmas, the New Year and a longing for spring.

But it can be a frustrating garden plant for although it has been grown in gardens for hundreds of years and is universally known by this enticing common name, how often do we actually see it in flower at Christmas? The German name of Schneerose (snow rose) is perhaps more appropriate. True, there is a form known as 'Praecox' which is said to flower at Christmas but do we ever see it? 'Higham's Variety' sounds similar but we cannot yet vouch for it. E. A. Bowles and others have maintained that 'Praecox' flowered in September and who are we to doubt the great plantsman? This is a very distinct species, immediately recognisable and rarely confused with others, but at the same time rather variable in the size and number of its flowers; some forms sold are poor plants with weak growth, small flowers and not very many of them. In the garden it can be rather particular and is rarely seen growing in such luxuriance as we would all like.

Much used in herbal medicine this species was said by Parkinson to be 'good for mad and furious men, for melancholy, dull and heavie persons, and briefly for all those with blacke choler, and molested with melancholy.'! Description An evergreen perennial generally reaching 9-12in (23-30cm) in height with a woody, rhizomatous root system. The leaves are leathery and dark green in colour although in weak specimens they may well become pale and yellowish. On mature plants they are pedately divided into seven, eight or nine segments; there is little variation in this feature. The individual segments are untoothed, except sometimes towards the apex. In the wild the leaves generally overtop the flowers, or they would if they stood upright but they are often flattened by the snow. In gardens, forms have been selected in which the flowers overtop the leaves. The flowers are carried on rounded fleshy stems varying from 3in to 9in (7.5-23cm) in height, which may be plain green or spotted with purple.

There is usually only one flower per stem, although there may occasionally be two or even three, and the flowers usually open flat and are generally 11/2-3in (4-7.5cm) across although they can be larger in selected forms. The individual petals may be 3/4-11/2in (2-4cm) long and 1/2-11/2in (12mm-4cm) wide and while some forms are quite starry in shape most are more full and rounded. This species is generally credited with pure white, though green eyed, flowers. However the flowers may be pink in bud or on the backs of the petals or may develop pinkish tints as the flowers age; there are also forms which rapidly age to dark pink, almost red. In gardens the flowers generally appear from January to March, occasionally earlier, though in the wild plants may still be flowering in June in some high, cold areas. There are up to twenty green nectaries, a large number of stamens and between five and eight carpels although some may not mature fully. To the botanist the features which distinguish H.

niger from other species are the undivided bracts, the noticeably prominent elaiosome on the seeds which anyone sowing fresh seed will have noticed and the smooth pollen grains. To the gardener the large, pure white, waxy flowers carried singly on stiff upright stems and the dark, leathery, almost untoothed foliage make it easily distinguishable. Helleborus niger subsp. niger This subspecies has deep green foliage, sometimes with a few teeth towards the apex, and flowers up to about 23/4in (7cm) across. Natural distribution and habitat Plants from most areas of the range come under susbp. niger. Basically this is a plant of the mountains, reaching from the Alps of Switzerland, southernmost Germany and Austria, through Slovenia and into Croatia together with northern Italy. This is an adaptable plant, growing sometimes in woods and at other times out in the open on alpine slopes. Near Lake Bled in northern Yugoslavia it grows in pine or mixed woodland where it relishes a good depth of old leaf mould although it still may not grow all that vigorously. Higher up it grows in the open, possibly in areas where there was once tree cover.

In this area Elizabeth Strangman has seen it in woods with Anemone nemerosa, A. trifolia, several different cardamines including C. kitaibelii, Crocus vernus subsp. albiflorus, Cyclamen purpurascens, Daphne mezereum, Epimedium alpinum, Galanthus nivalis, Gentiana asclepiadea and G. verna, Hacquetia epipactis, small flowered Hepatica nobilis in blue and pink, Omphalodes verna, Polygola chamaebuxus, Primula vulgaris, Pulmonaria officinalis and Veratrum nigrum. In Croatia Elizabeth found this plant growing in thick leaf mould on limestone in woods made up of oak, pine and beech.

It grew with Asarum europaeum, various cardamines, Epimedium alpinum, Gentiana asclepiadea, Geranium phaeum, Helleborus atrorubens, Hepatica nobilis, Lamium orvala, Omphalodes verna and Veratrum In the Triglav National Park Will McLewin has found forms which rapidly turn deep pink soon after the first flower on the plant is fertilised. Eric Hilton, writing in the AGS Bulletin in 1983 reports an interesting find south east of Klagenfurt in Austria, across the Yugoslavian border from Will McLewin's plants. In this population 'many of the plants were not the expected white but a kind of rusty rose. This is not a change of colour resultant upon fading or fertilisation,' he continues, 'for the unopened buds were of that same hue.' So it is clear that forms other than pure white do exist and this colouring is not found only in fertilised flowers. Joe Sharman and Alan Leslie found populations with pink flowers in Slovenia and Elizabeth Strangman has also found them in the same general area.

It seems that there are a number of separate populations with a greater or lesser degree of pink in the flowers, these being restricted to a relatively small area stretching from Klagenfurt in southern Austria into Slovenia, especially near the Italian border and as far south as Delnice; but there are also white flowered colonies in the same area. Further south in the Plitvice National Park Elizabeth Strangman found it growing in mixed beech and oak woods with Anemone ranunculoides, Cardamine pentaphylla, C. ennaephyllos, Corydalis bulbosa, Cyclamen purpurascens, Daphne mezereum, Epimedium alpinum, Gentiana asclepiadea, Hacquetia epipactis, Isopyron thalictroides and Lamium orvala. Helleborus niger subsp. macranthus Helleborus niger subsp. macranthus (Freyn) Schiffner This subspecies has slightly blue- or grey-tinted foliage edged with tiny teeth. The flowers are relatively large, from 23/4-33/4in (7-9cm) across.

When the RHS gave an Award of Merit to a specimen of this plant exhibited by the Crown Estate Commissioners at Windsor Great Park under the name H. macranthus in February 1957, it was described as having pure white flowers 31/2in (8.5cm) across on crimson-freckled stems 12in (30cm) tall. Natural distribution and habitat This subspecies has a very small range and is restricted to northern Italy, possibly spreading into the north west corner of Yugoslavia. Writing in the AGS Bulletin in 1973 Molly Popper reports seeing an extraordinary mixture of plants growing with H. niger subsp. macranthus in the foothills above Fasano on the western shore of Lake Garda, in northern Italy. Looking at it from the gardeners' point of view the following list of plants seems an unlikely mixture but even on one slope, microclimates provided by rocks can create variations in the habitat which suit a wide range of plants. She mentions seeing Aquilegia einseleana, Buphthalmum salicifolium, Campanula sibirica, C.

linifolia, Clematis recta, Coronilla emerus, Cyclamen purpurascens, Cytisus purpureus, Erica carnea, Euphorbia nicaeensis, Gentiana clusii, Gladiolus imbricatus, Hepatica nobilis, Iberis sempervirens, Inula ensifolia, Lilium croceum, Potentilla alba, Ranunculus thora, Stipa pennata and Veratrum nigrum. Cultivation The Christmas rose likes nothing better than an old cottage garden or the corner of a kitchen garden, which has been regularly manured for decades; a deep leafy soil is also very suitable. Given that this is beyond most of us, we must adapt what we have. Although a heavy clay soil is not ideal, when improved with plenty of leaf mould or old garden compost you will have a better chance of growing good Christmas roses than if you start with gravel. A well drained soil can be improved, with even more buckets of compost, until the humus level has increased substantially. Whether you start with clay or gravel, the follow-up to thorough preparation should be the regular application of a leafy mulch.

Acid soils rarely produce good Christmas roses and keeping them going for more than few years is difficult. A soil which is naturally limy or which has been limed regularly and has a settled pH (that vegetable garden again), is preferable to one which has received a large dose immediately before planting. Regular mulches with mushrom compost or applications of lime will probably help keep the pH at the right level. Although in the wild H. niger is found in both sun and shade, in gardens it is best in at least partial shade especially if the soil is not too retentive. A north facing site where the plants receive limited sunshine even in the height of summer seems to suit them well. In general, with a humus rich soil, dappled shade is probably ideal although in the hotter and sunnier southern areas heavier shade may be needed. Christmas roses hate being moved as they take some time to recover and again give their best. Early spring is the best time for moving plants and for division, but it is perhaps more sensible to raise new plants from seed.

Slugs can be especially troublesome with this plant, and it is important to remember to put down slug bait some time before flowering is expected as the buds can be eaten almost before they emerge from the soil. Voles also eat the buds before they emerge. The different forms vary in exactly how the flowers are carried in relation to their leaves. In some forms, often called in the past var. altissimus, the leaves overtop the flowers which protects them from splashes but on the other hand hides them from view in the garden. For garden display it is perhaps best to cut away the old leaves in the centre of the clump to show the flowers while leaving a ring of foliage around the edge; alternatively all the foliage can be removed. If the flowers are to be cut for the house the leaves can be left in place as protection. The flowers stand up well in water, far better than those of H. orientalis. Forms where the flowers reliably overtop the leaves can be left to grow naturally for display in the garden as the low foliage will help to prevent mud splashing the flowers. In gardens Christmas roses are best planted near to where you pass frequently in winter and where they will not be overwhelmed by nearby plantings.

This is especially necessary if you wish to cover the plants with a cloche to prevent mud splashing up on to the flowers; as some forms flower on quite short stems this can improve their appearance enormously. Perhaps the best companions for Christmas roses are self seeding bulbs and Cyclamen coum is ideal, flowering at the same time in mid winter. Snowdrops, scillas, Crocus tomassinianus, winter aconites, plus some of the smaller primulas of the 'Wanda' type would also be suitable neighbours. Planting in the lea of an evergreen shrub is also helpful, Pinus mugo, for example, sometimes a neighbour in the wild. Cultivated forms When a plant varies so much in cultivation we can only recommend that you choose a plant in flower or buy a named strain from a supplier with a good reputation. No forms at present in general cultivation can be guaranteed to flower out of doors at Christmas, and many that were said to live up to their name in the past did so only because they were forced - as they still are in Holland. In general, cultivated forms are distinguished by the size or colour of their flowers and the height of the flowers relative to the leaves.

Of the seventeen cultivars listed in Brian Mathew's book we have seen only two, others may be languishing in obscurity, but there are newer ones now available and as breeders work with new wild collected seedlings improved strains will appear. Amongst the more curious individuals which have turned up in recent years, Strangman had a running form which originated in Ireland and came to her from Esther Merton. This spreads rather than forms clumps and was always the first to flower in her garden at The Old Rectory, Burghfield. 'Blackthorn Strain' Characteristically vigorous growth, with the flowers carried on tall dark stems. The flowers are generally pink in bud, opening almost white with a good green eye surrounding the anthers and as the flowers age they again turn pink. The degree of pink colouration varies slightly from plant to plant. This is a seed strain developed by Robin White by crossing 'White Magic' with 'Louis Cobbett' and introduced in 1989. 'Eva' Selected by Norman Hadden and given to Margery Fish.

According to Andrew Norton who now owns Mrs Fish's garden at East Lambrook Manor, 'Eva' has very large flowers, 41/2in (11cm) across, with slightly pointed petals and is noticeably distinct from 'Potters Wheel'. It may, however, have been derived from 'Potters Wheel'. 'Foliis Variegatis' A plant under this name was listed by Barr & Sons in 1889 and described as having variegated young foliage. More recently Leon Doyen has been growing a plant under the same name which was collected in Kranjska Gora in Slovenia; its foliage shows an irregular patterning in various shades of cream. Although there seems little chance of confusion with the Barr plant, it would seem more appropriate to give the recent plant a name of its own. This plant has been found to be infected with virus but it is not clear that in this case the virus is causing the variegation. 'Higham's Variety' A form grown by Carol Klein who runs Glebe Cottage Plants in Devon. She obtained it from her grandfather Henry Higham who worked as a garden lad for the Duke of Ellesmere at Worsley Hall before the First World War.

'Higham's Variety' was the name given to the plant when Carol began to distribute it in 1985 but at Worsley Hall it may have been grown under another name. She reports that this is a true early flowering form, reliably coming into flower for Christmas, with 10in (25cm) flower stems and long leaf petioles. We have not grown it for long enough to confirm its reliability at Christmas. 'Ladham's Variety' Described by Sir Frederick Stern in his book A Chalk Garden (1960) as follows: 'The form known as 'Ladham's Variety' is the most robust with substantial flowers which are not so liable to be damaged by bad weather as some of the other forms: it comes true from seed.' It was also grown by Margery Fish. 'Louis Cobbett' This plant, originally known as 'Dr Louis Cobbett', was given to Anna Griffith by Dr Cobbett, her neighbour in Cambridge, and exhibited by her at the RHS in March 1962. A so called pink form, in fact when the pink buds open the flowers are only pink flushed on the backs of the petals then the colour deepen as the flowers age.

The stems are a very striking dark red. There is a large old clump at Sissinghurst which is divided occasionally but is a martyr to black spot. 'Madame Fourcade' A large flowered, though dwarf plant with pale green foliage which was raised in the nineteenth century. Plants under this name were again offered by Bridgemere Nurseries in 1990. Their clone, which originated in Holland, is not large flowered but they report that it is well worth growing as it is very early flowering, always blooming before Christmas and sometimes before the end of November. 'Marion' A double flowered with about 25 slim, pure white petals which narrow at the base to a slender green stems. It occured as a chance seedling in the garden of Mick Sandell of Wateringbury in Kent and is named after his wife. It breeds fairly true, some seedlings are more double than others. 'Pixie' A semi-double, anemone centred variety with short, quilled petals in the centre of the flowers and foliage which is toothed along its edges. This form originated with nurseryman Don Mann who was given it from a garden in Holbridge in Essex.

'Potter's Wheel' A seed strain, not a clone, with a muddled history.The description given to the Award of Merit plants in February 1958 was as follows: 'The leaves are radical, pedately lobed, leathery and dark glossy green. Each segment measures from 21/2 inches long and 11/2-2 inches wide, and the tips are widely toothed. The immense flowers measure from 4 to 5 inches across, with broad glistening white, overlapping sepals, the bases of which, together with the nectaries, are a deep, clear green. The pleasant colour effect is admirably set off by the cluster of golden stamens in the centre of the flower. The 9-inch stems on which the flowers are carried are erect and sturdy and serve to lift them, clean and unsullied, above the splashes of winter rain.' 'St Brigid' This cultivar was discovered in a garden in Kildare, Ireland in about 1850 and its main feature was that the dark green foliage grew taller than the flowers and so protecting them from the weather.

It was thought lost but Anne Watson, who runs a small nursery in Yorkshire, is now building up stock of a plant under this name. 'Sunset' Will McLewin has given this name to divisions of plants collected from a particular site in the Triglav National Park as well to plants raised from seed collected in the wild; his collector's number is WM9113. They derive from a single population in which at least some of the plants show a pronounced pink or red colouring. This colouring seems to develop on all the flowers on the plant once any one of them has been fertilised. The flowers are large and strong-stemmed. Although all the plants grown under this name originate from the same site, different individuals will exhibit different degrees of pink or red colouring. We therefore wonder if a cultivar name is the most appropriate way of identifying them as it could easily result in plants of varying quality being grown under the one name. 'Trotter's Form' Raised by Dick Trotter and introduced by Jack Drake, founder of the well known Inshriach Nursery in Scotland.

This is a large flowered, pure white form which flowered for 10 months of the year at Brin in Invernesshire where it was raised. 'White Magic' This variety has very distinct foliage which is bright green with comparatively small, obovate leaflets and just a few small teeth along the edges. Both leaf and flower stems are dark and the flowers are produced in large quantity and of good, even shape. This variety was raised in New Zealand and is said by its raiser to be derived from a cross between H. niger and H. orientalis. This misconception is discussed on page 000. In addition to some of those mentioned above, the new RHS Dictionary lists a number of cultivars also mentioned by Brian Mathew although they are unlikely to be still in cultivation. These include 'Apple Blossom','De Graff's Variety', 'Flore Roseo', 'Riverston', 'Rubra' and 'Wardie Lodge'. Finally, as they are not mentioned in Brian Mathew's list of cultivars, we record here the fact that in the fourth of his seven gardens, at Hemyock in Devon, E. B.

Anderson grew four cultivars he received from the National Botanic Garden at Glasnevin in Dublin. These were 'Miss Kearney', 'Mrs Stanhope', 'Oxford Variety' and 'Snowflake'. He gives no descriptions of these plants and none seem to have survived. 'Blackthorn Strain', growing at Blackthorn Nursery, Hampshire UK. Clump of 'Blackthorn Strain' growing at Blackthorn Nursery, showing the flowers changing colour as they age. 'Louis Cobbett', one of the parents of the 'Blackthorn Strain', at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, UK. 'White Magic', a prolific strain from Blackthorn Nursery, and a parent of 'Blackthorn Strain', growing in Graham's garden. 'Potters Wheel Strain' growing at Blackthorn Nursery. Words ©Graham Rice or © Graham Rice/Elizabeth Strangman 1993-2001. Pictures ©Graham Rice/ gardenphotos.com unless stated. All Rights Reserved.

Hellebores: Winter Hardy Shade Perennials for the Woodland Garden Hellebores: Winter Hardy Shade Perennials for the Woodland Garden By Tony Avent Shop for Helleborus at Plant Delights Nursery A Primer on the Genus Helleborus There are few perennials that can rival the seasonal interest of hellebores ... often called Christmas or Lenten Rose. These staples of the winter garden are among the most coveted of garden plants by those who know them, yet they are still relatively unknown outside of plant enthusiast circles. Because they don't flower quickly from seed and often finish flowering before most folks visit garden centers, hellebores are rarely found at the lower end mass merchants. Helleborus 'Walberton's Rosemary' PP 19,439 Hellebores have long been grown in gardens, although originally for their medicinal properties . Hellebores are filled with alkaloid toxins and have been used both as a poison and a purgative. Because of their toxicity, Hellebores are prized as "deer-resistant" garden plants for areas suffering from deer or similar wildlife pressures.

A true testimonial for the durability of Hellebores are those growing at the old Raleigh garden of NC's famed garden writer, the late Elizabeth Lawrence. Her Raleigh home, from which she moved in the 1940's, is still filled with wonderful clumps of Helleborus x hybridus, despite being used as a fraternity house for several decades! Hellebores are renowned for their tolerance of drought and neglect, although they truly thrive when grown in a moist, but well-drained soil. They are very sensitive to poor drainage, so be sure your soil drains well. Because Hellebores naturally become very rootbound in containers, it is important when container-grown plants are put in the ground, to remove the potting mix and loosen the roots. This will make it much easier to keep the hellebore roots moist until they are well-established. If you keep your plants in containers , be aware they are very heavy consumers of water when actively growing in the fall and spring months, but not when they go into a non-active growth state during the heat of summer.

Helleborus x hybridus 'Mello Yellow' Strain Hellebores are primarily European natives, growing in open meadows in Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and even China , where the deciduous species Helleborus thibetanus can be found. While naturally a full sun plant, Hellebores make superb specimens for the light woodland garden . We salute UK plant explorer, Will McLewin, who, along with other hellebore enthusiasts, risks his life to regularly trek through these regions gathering hellebore seed and researching the genus with a rarely-seen dedication. Hellebores are often found native in alkaline soils, but adapt without a blink to acid woodland soils. As for fertility, Hellebores need nothing more than a rich, highly organic soil, amended as needed, with an organic fertilizer. For the lazy gardener, I have seen spectacular gardens of Hellebores that have never seen a drop of commercial fertilizer. Hellebores are split into two basic groups, acaulescent (without stems) and caulescent (with stems).

The caulescent species include Helleborus argutifolius, Helleborus foetidus, and Helleborus lividus. The acaulescent species include Helleborus orientalis, Helleborus niger, Helleborus purpurascens, Helleborus viridis, Helleborus atrorubens, and all others. Acaulescent (Non-Stalked) Helleborus Species Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis' One of my favorite acaulescent species is the Christmas rose , Helleborus niger. While rumored to be difficult to grow in the South, the large clumps in both my garden and others throughout the South confirm this rumor to be unfounded. Indeed, Helleborus niger is not as easy to grow as the Helleborus x hybridus, but still easy enough for most gardeners. Helleborus niger has darker green and much smoother leaves than the H. orientalis hybrids and begins flowering much earlier. For us (NC), Helleborus niger is usually in flower by late December or early January.

The flowers in this species are pure white , and arise similar to Helleborus x hybridus. We have found Helleborus niger ssp. macranthus and the Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis' strain, which often flowers in one year from seed, to be some of the best. Available now are selected early flowering, vigorous clones such as Helleborus niger 'HGC Josef Lemper' PP 15,615 and Helleborus niger 'Jacob' PP 17,799 both from Germany's Heuger Hellebores, along with new double flowering clones like Helleborus niger 'Double Fantasy'. Helleborus viridis While everyone knows the nameHelleborus orientalis, virtually no true Helleborus orientalis is actually grown outside of a few plant collectors' gardens. Most plants grown under this name are in fact interspecific garden hybrids.

Of the other acaulescent species, Helleborus purpurascens (purple flowers), Helleborus atrorubens (very early purple flowers), and Helleborus viridis (green flowers) are good easy-to-grow choices, although none make nearly the spectacular garden specimens as do interspecific hybrids. Helleborus croaticus has very cute small flowers and some forms of Helleborus multifidus have narrow leaves that warrant growing it even if it didn't flower. Unlike Helleborus niger and Helleborus orientalis, many of these species are often deciduous, so don't panic when they disappear in winter. Acaulescent Helleborus hybrids The most commonly known acaulescent species name is Helleborus orientalis, the Lenten Rose. As mentioned earlier, these are actually complex hybrids involving an array of acaulescent species. These plants are correctly called Helleborus x hybridus. As a rule, Helleborus x hybridus are generally much more vigorous than the straight species.

Helleborus x hybridus Each plant of Helleborus x hybridus makes a 2' wide by 1' tall clump of thick evergreen hand shaped leaves. In late winter, the 12"-18" tall flower spikes emerge from the underground rhizome. As the flower spike tops the leaves (which flatten out in the winter), it branches, producing a cluster of silver-dollar-sized flowers. Actually, what we call flowers are not petals, but a modified calyx. This accounts for the seeming longevity (up to 3 months) of the hellebore "flowers". We recommend waiting to remove the old foliage until just before the flowers emerge for a better floral show. The foliage serves to protect the developing flower buds and to keep them cool and therefore delayed. If the foliage is removed too early in the season, the developing flower buds may break too early and be susceptible to damage by late spring hard freezes. It is the flower colors of Helleborus x hybridus that enthrall plant collectors, as each one is dramatically different. The basic colors range from black- purple to red-purple, to white , pink , and even yellow .... all depending on the parentage of the species.

The patterns on the blooms add even more fun, with breeders working to bring different colored speckles both to the center and edge of the flowers. Hellebore breeders are also working on flower shape ... some opting for cupped flowers, while others work towards breeding large, flat, open flowers. Some breeders prefer up-facing flowers, while others prefer the natural bell-like form, where the colors are only seen on the back of the flowers. The latest creations are double flowered and anemone-flowered forms, where a second row of petals makes an attractive collar inside the large calyx. Helleborus x hybridus PDN Yellow w/Purple Eyezone 2 QT Purchasing named varieties of Hellebores has always been a difficult task for gardeners. Most of the early hellebore work was done overseas by folks such as the late Helen Ballard of Germany, Elizabeth Strangman of Washfield Nursery, John Massey and the Ashwood Nursery breeders of the UK, and the late Eric Smith, also from the UK.

US breeding has made great advances thanks to the work of Glenn Withey and Charles Price of Washington, Dan Hinkley of Washington, Ernie and Marietta O.Byrne of Oregon, David Culp of Pennsylvania, and Dick and Judith Tyler of Virginia. When a hellebore breeder would develop a nice variety, everyone would want a division. While Hellebores can be divided, the process is never going to be viable on a large commercial basis. This prompts both high prices, and unscrupulous nurserymen selling seedlings as "true cultivars". In fact, each seedling is different, and only in well-developed seed strains does the flower color of the seedling come close to matching that of the parent. Only in the past few years have more growers started to sell Hellebores by known flower color. This is done either by divisions or tissue culture, where all the plants are identical, or by growing and flowering a large batch of seedlings and then sorting them by color. Obviously, the time involved in this process (2-3 years from seed to flower) will be reflected in the price.

For a slightly lower cost, you can buy unflowered seedlings, which thanks to better inbreeding, good strains should have a higher percentage of colors similar to their parents. Tissue culture is a fairly recent breakthrough with Helleborus x hybridus, but one destined to change the availability of specially-selected Hellebores as more and more selections go under the knife. When purchasing a tissue-cultured hellebore, you need to remember offspring will still not come true from seed. If you want to maintain the color integrity of a particular clump, be sure to remove the developing seed to keep them from sprouting around your parent plant. Helleborus x hybridus 'Red Sapphire' For years, it was assumed that Helleborus niger was so far out of the hellebore family tree that it could not be crossed with any of the other acaulescent species. That all changed in 2000 with the introduction of Helleborus 'Snow White' from Japan, the first cross of Helleborus niger and Helleborus x hybridus.

While 'Snow White' is sterile for us, and the crossing of Helleborus niger and other acaulescent species remains difficult, there are other similar hybrids in the pipeline, which add more colors to the range of this early-flowering hybrid group. Caulescent (Upright-stalked) Helleborus Species I am also a big fan of the caulescent (stemmed) species. My favorite is certainly Helleborus foetidus, the so called "stinking hellebore". While folks often expect smelly flowers, the only part of the plant that is fetid are the leaves, which leave an unpleasant odor on your hands if you fondle your Hellebores too much. Helleborus foetidus Helleborus foetidus has very dark evergreen leaves with long "fingers" which clothe the 18-24" tall stems. As a background plant to hostas and ferns in the summer garden, Helleborus foetidus is marvelous. As the perennials of summer go to sleep, the evergreen clumps of Helleborus foetidus remain and become the focus of the winter garden .

In fall, the flowering stalks emerge, opening from October to around the first of the year with 1' tall spikes of green bell-like flowers. These flowers remain attractive until early spring. Thanks to keen gardeners around the world, there are now many different forms of Helleborus foetidus available. The most popular is Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk', an attractive plant with red stems and slatey green leaves. Helleborus foetidus 'Red Silver' Strain (Northwest Garden and Nursery) and 'Piccadilly' (Piccadilly Farms) are similar strains. Helleborus 'Green Giant' is much larger and can often reach 3' tall. Other forms boast more cutleaf foliage, dark black leaves , and a variety of other unique characteristics. One of the most unique is Helleborus foetidus 'Chedglow', displaying golden foliage and color that runs into the flower stalk. Helleborus foetidus is a short-lived perennial with a life expectancy of 2-3 years.

Fortunately, it is a prolific seeder and once your plant of Helleborus foetidus sets seed, you should never be without this gem again. Helleborus argutifolius 'Silver Lace' Helleborus argutifolius is also a worthwhile garden addition. Making a 2' tall x 2' wide evergreen clump, it is adorned with very serrate, trifoliate leaves. In late winter , it is topped with stalks of creamy light green flowers. When winter temperatures drop below 15°F, the foliage may become damaged, but the plant resprouts well when cut back to the ground in spring. One of the few selections in the trade is the clonally reproduced Helleborus argutifolius 'Silver Lace'with stunning silvery pewter leaves, topped with green flowers. The most tender of the caulescent species is also the most beautiful, Helleborus lividus from Spain. The silver and green patterned leaves form a 2' wide clump, topped with green and pink flowers that would make any gardener covet this gem.

Although it has been hardy in our garden for 15 years, we are at the northernmost end of its range since it must be grown where it will receive good summer heat. The only named cultivar of Helleborus lividus is Helleborus lividus 'White Marble' that boasts white veins, lacking the red pigment more typical of the species. Caulescent Hellebore Hybrids For those a bit further north, try the hybridHelleborus x sternii (Helleborus argutifolius x Helleborus lividus). This hybrid combines the beauty of Helleborus lividus foliage with the upright growth habit of Helleborus argutifolius. Both seed strains and tissue cultured clonal selections are available. Like Helleborus argutifolius, temperatures below 15 degrees F can damage the old foliage. Popular seed strain favorites include Helleborus 'Boughton Beauty' (silver grey leaves with pink flushed stems), Helleborus x sternii 'Blackthorn'(green leaves with grey veins and pink stems), andHelleborus 'Rachel' (glossy green leaves with silver veins).

Clonal selections include Helleborus x sternii 'Pacific Frost' (white speckled leaves),Helleborus x sternii 'Fire and Ice' (white speckled leaves), Helleborus x sternii 'Hot Flash' PPAF (silver and green leaves with red veins), andHelleborus 'Winter's Grace' (silver leaves and pink stems). Helleborus foetidus has so far been impossible to cross with other species, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time until breeders are successful. Helleborus x ballardiae 'Cinnamon Snow' PP 21,003 Acaulescent/Caulescent Helleborus Hybrids For many years, it was thought the acaulescent and caulescent species could not be hybridized, but we now know this was incorrect. Helleborus niger can be readily crossed with Helleborus argutifolius, resulting in the virtually sterile Helleborus x nigercors. The foliage of these hybrids resembles Helleborus niger, but the abundance of flowers is much greater ... often over 100 per plant.

There are now several clonal tissue cultured selections of Helleborus x nigercors including Helleborus 'Valentine Green' (green leaves and creamy flowers), Helleborus 'Honeyhill Joy' (green leaves and creamy flowers), Helleborus x nigercors 'Green Heron' (green leaves and green flowers),Helleborus x nigercors 'White Beauty (green leaves and white flowers), Helleborus x nigercors 'Snow Love' PPAF (green leaves and white flowers), and Helleborus x nigercors 'HGC Green Corsican' PP #15,641 (green leaves and cream flowers). Helleborus niger has also been crossed with Helleborus x sternii resulting in Helleborus x ericsmithii (aka: Helleborus x nigristern), named for the late UK plant breeder of hosta fame, Eric Smith.

There are several nice forms of this cross including Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Pink Beauty'(green leaves with pink/green flowers), Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Winter Moonbeam' Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Winter Moonbeam'(nice silver veined leaves and cream and purple tinted flowers),Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Candy Love'PP 19,413 (green leaves and cream to pink flowers),Helleborus x ericsmithii 'HGC Silvermoon'PP15,639 (silver leaves and creamy flowers), andHelleborus x nigersmithii 'Walhelivor' PP 16,199 (also known by the non-cultivar name Helleborus 'Ivory Prince', which has grey green leaves and creamy pink flowers). The rarest of the Helleborus niger hybrids isHelleborus x ballardiae (aka: Helleborus x nigriliv), which is derived from a cross of Helleborus niger and Helleborus lividus.

To the best of our knowledge, Helleborus 'December Dawn' is the only commercial cultivar of this cross, although it is not yet widely available. Helleborus Propagation If you want to propagate your own hellebores , growing them from seed is the easiest and most common way. Hellebore seeds ripen in May and June, and must be sown fresh since the viability of hellebore seed decreases rapidly in storage. Once the seed is ripe, it can be surface-sown in a pot of potting soil or in a well-prepared outdoor seedbed ... do not cover the seed. Keep the soil slightly moist during the summer and be sure to leave the pot outdoors in fall. Once the seed has been subjected to adequate cold temperatures, it will begin to sprout. The chilling can occur in a refrigerator, provided you remember to remove the seeds when they begin to sprout and you have an understanding spouse. Helleborus lividus and Helleborus x sternii are some of the first seed to sprout, followed by Helleborus foetidus, then Helleborus x hybridus.

In the garden, you can also simply allow the seed to fall to the ground, where it will germinate the following late February/early March. It is possible for a few Helleborus to flower within 12 months of the seed germinating under good container culture, but 2 years is more typical. Seed allowed to fall in the garden will usually take at least 3 years to flower. The long production time and accompanying nursery-space cost is why flowering-sized Hellebores will be priced much higher than non-flowering plants. Helleborus x hybridus 'Amber Gem' As is the case with humans, hellebore offspring do not always resemble their parents. In the garden, Helleborus x hybridus will have the best chance of being similar to the parent if similar colors are planted together in the garden. We find differing colors need to be planted at least 25' apart to keep the colors from blending thanks to the work of bees. While color blending can yield a few interesting seedlings, it also yields quite a few muddy colored hybrids.

If you have a particular selection (clone) of Helleborus x hybridus you really like, you can also divide the clump, but timing is critical. The ideal time to divide is during the fall or winter, although it is also possible to divide plants around flowering time. Clumps can be lifted, divided and reset or can be divided while in the ground using a sharp knife or shovel. I don't recommend dividing them to single divisions, which is rarely successful. Where to See Hellebores Until recently, most Helleborus x hybridus have been sold as unflowered seedlings. This began to change in the early 2000's when tissue-cultured plants hit the market. Unless you are purchasing a cloned tissue-cultured plant, you must visit a nursery when the Hellebores are in flower to select the color you desire, although the first US nursery to offer this option on a large scale was Piccadilly Farms in Georgia. Several of us have followed suit, so there are now many options to see your Hellebores in bloom before purchasing them.

Our hellebore open house and garden days are usually held in late February/early March in conjunction with our friends at Pine Knot Nursery in Virginia. If you are on the West Coast, don't miss the hellebore open days at Northwest Garden Nursery in Oregon, and if you can make it to the UK, the hellebore open days at Ashwood Nursery are not to be missed. Reference For further reference on hellebores, we recommend the following books: The Gardeners Guide to Growing Hellebores by Graham Rice and Elizabeth Strangman (Timber Press) Hellebores by Brian Matthew (Alpine Garden Society, UK) Hellebores, A Comprehensive Guide by Cole Burrell and Judith Tyler (Timber Press) Helleborus - Burke's Backyard Helleborus Helleborus Native to the mountainous regions of Europe, Greece and Asia Minor, Helleborus niger is a member of the Ranunculaceae, or buttercup family. It has pure white blossoms which bloom at Christmas time in the northern hemisphere, hence the common name Christmas Rose. Niger, the species name, means black, and refers to its dark coloured roots.

Plant details Common name: Hellebore, or Christmas Rose Botanical name: Helleborus niger Description: Evergreen plant to about 30cm (12") tall with leathery dark green leaves, black roots and large white pendant flowers in winter. They are propagated from seed or by division. Best climate: Helleborus niger is more difficult to grow than other hellebores, requiring colder conditions. It is best suited to cool, elevated regions of southern Australia from Sydney to Perth and south. Best look: Hellebores are ideal for planting in drifts under trees, in terraced gardens or in pots Good cut flowers if picked when mature (immature flowers will wilt in a vase) Excellent in float bowls. They last for weeks slowly fading and changing colour Good points: Naturalise readily Attractive white flowers in winter when gardens often look bare Long flowering Downside: Flowers hang down and cannot be appreciated when viewed from above All parts of the plant are toxic: bruised foliage can cause severe dermatitis Care and maintenance: Hellebores prefer a shady, moist situation in alkaline soil, and often grow best under deciduous trees.

At planting time incorporate plenty of compost into the soil and keep well mulched. Water well, particularly during summer. Remove dead foliage and flowers, but otherwise do not prune. Further information A Special Hellebore Weekend will be held 28 and 29 August, 10am-3pm at Corroboree Park Hall, Paterson Street, Ainslie, ACT.

Helleborus niger is available from many nurseries but if you have difficulty you may like to try: The Greenery Heidelberg, Heidelberg, VIC, phone: (03) 9459 8433 Albert’s Garden, 9 Beltana Road, Pialligo, ACT, phone: (02) 6248 0300 Swane’s Garden Centre, Dural, NSW, phone: (02) 9651 1322 Merry Garth, Mount Wilson, NSW, phone: (02) 4756 2121 Everbloom Nursery, Perth, WA, phone: (08) 9295 1666 Newman’s Nursery & Topiary Tea House, Tea Tree Gully, SA, phone: (08) 8264 2661

Question: Helleborus niger is the scientific name for what evergreen flowering plant?
Answer: CHRISTMAS ROSE