Helleborus × hybridus
lenten rose syn. (Helleborus orientalis)
- Position: partial shade
- Soil: heavy, neutral to alkaline soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: February to April
- Flower colour: white/pink/red and may have speckles
- Other features: all parts of the plant cause severe discomfort if ingested; the sap may cause skin irritation
- Hardiness: borderline hardy (may need winter protection)
Pretty, pendent or outward-facing, saucer-shaped, flowers from February to April and leathery, deep green leaves. Attractive ground cover plants for areas of dappled shade under deciduous trees and shrubs, they prefer a heavy, neutral to alkaline soil.Unfortunately we can't guarantee what colour you get but the flowers are available in a fantastic colour range, normallyeither white, yellow, pink, red or slate black.
- Garden care: Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in autumn and provide a top-dressing of general fertiliser each spring.
- Harmful if eaten/skin irritant
- Garden care: Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in autumn and provide a top-dressing of general fertiliser each spring.
Woodland
A sanctuary of peace and tranquillity with an overwhelming sense of calm, a woodland garden is an ideal place to get away from it all with natural shade and privacy. Based on...
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The reliable oriental hellebore - the backbone of woodland planting - guaranteed to perform in late winter giving weeks of flower and sustaining early bees
Val Bourne - Garden Writer