Hellebores

Spring is finally really here, and though it has happened in the past, I can't imagine wintry weather coming back. The snowdrops are almost gone and many plants are starting to shoot and flower.

The ones that are at their absolute best at the moment are the hellebores. Commonly known as the 'Lenten Rose' hellebores are evergreen perennials from the Ranunculaceae family. They are long lived (some growing in my garden, inherited from the previous owners are at least 20yrs old), and grow in difficult places under shrubs and trees, but also in more sunny positions.  Hellbores hybridise easily, and most plants sold are hybrids.


A favourite is Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Winter Moonbeam'. Some turn their nose up at the variegated leaves, but grown in shade they are quite delicate. The flowers open white, turning pink as they age. (I grow them under a rose, close to the house, so they can be seen from the kitchen).

 Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Winter Moonbeam'

Another favourite growing in my north facing front garden is Helleborus x hybridus 'Harvington Shades of the Night'. Its one of my first hellebores. Its been in its place for about 7 years, and has grown into a large clump of around 15 flowers. It always puts on a great display.

Helleborus x hybridus 'Harvington Shades of the Night'

And finally, a new selection - 'Anna's Red' named after plants woman and writer Anna Pavord*.

I bought this on a visit to Great Dixter in February.

The flower is a large bright purplish red (the colour is a bit darker in reality), and is fairly upright.The leaves have some marbling, and since I planted it in partial shade, I would expect the marbling to be pronounced.

How well it does in the garden and how quickly it bulks up remains to be seen.

Helleborus 'Anna's Red'

*Anna Pavord is the author of 'The Tulip' and the wonderful 'The Naming of Names: The search for order in the world of plants'. A surprisingly interesting book on a subject you may think extremely dull.
.