Horticulture Program Assistant
Just living is not enough . . . one must have
sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.
Hans Christian Anderson
Family:
Ranunculaceae Sun Exposure:
Partial to Full Shade
Genus: Helleborus (hel-eh-BORE-us)
Height:
12 –18 inches
Species: orientalis
(or-ee-en-TAY-liss) Spacing: 15 – 18 inches
Category: Perennial Hardiness: Zone 4a – 9b
Hellebore belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Its cultivation and hybridizing began in the 19th century with German Botanists but hybridising really took off in the UK after World War II. There are 15 species within the genus, with orientalis the most popular in our region.
The plant originated in Eurasia, being found mostly in mountainous and woodland areas, and occasionally in meadows and rocky sites. Hellebore prefers chalky or limestone soil with a PH around neutral (addition of dolomitic lime may be necessary in our area, have your soil tested). Organic matter or leaf mold added to the soil is a must, as is well-drained soil. Hellebore also benefit from an annual mulching in the fall, and fertilization one to two times yearly.
The origin of its Latin name, Helleborus, refers to its hidden black roots and derives from two Greek words, ‘hellin’, to kill and ‘bora’, food. Perhaps this is in part due to the severe discomfort that is experienced if any part of the plant is ingested (the sap too may cause irritation if it comes in contact with the skin). The origin of its common name Lenton Rose alludes to its bloom time, which occurs close to the season of Lent.
Hellebore is rhizomatious, forming clumps that can be divided in early spring or late summer. To divide, dig up the entire plant, wash off the roots and cut the woody rhizome so that the bits have roots and growing points. Be careful not to damage the roots, especially the new ones, and make sure to keep the roots from drying out. It may be best just to allow Hellebores to naturalize by seeding themselves because they take a while to recover from transplanting. If you decide to naturalize and want to control the population, cut back the seed stalk prior to it maturing.
The flower color of a Hellebore varies from white to deep purple. The flowers can be spotted, streaked, flecked, or solid. They bend as if bowing, beckoning you to come over and lift their floret to experience the beauty. Hellebores bloom from late winter to mid-spring. Their evergreen leathery, spiked leaves provide greenery to the landscape and also mix well with spring bulbs.
Leaf spot, black rot, slugs, snails, and aphids are potential diseases and pests that might attack your plants. To help dissuade them, tidy up the area by removing the old leaves just prior to flowering. This also makes room for the new leaves and the wonderful flowers of the hellebore.
Photo Source: Missouri Botanical Garden, www.mobot.org.