HELLEBORES earn their keep
For many years, I believed hellebores were gourmet plants only grown by avid gardeners with very deep pockets. Back in the day, they were very expensive and not readily available.
That all changed a few years ago when I invested in several hellebores and planted them in the back garden under a clump of bamboo, and then I left them alone. Three plants, one white, another deep pink and the third maroon with burgundy foliage, have bloomed each spring for more than 15 years now, and their progeny (in fascinating mixes of pink, white, chartreuse and burgundy, some with spots, others bare) now populate the north-facing edge of the half moon garden.
While hellebores are still pricey, they are a good value. Once happily established, they are very self sufficient and will bloom for up to three months when the weather stays cool. They prefer a moist, well drained, humus rich soil and are surprisingly drought tolerant during the summer months; afternoon shade is ideal. Hellebores will not tolerate having wet feet.
Spring flowering hellebores, also known as Lenten roses (Helleborus orientalis), are mostly hybrids. The flowers can be drooping or upright, cupped, flat, single or double and come in a range of colours. True cultivars can be very pricey, while seed grown strains are more economical. When possible, purchase seed grown strains in bloom to be sure the colour is what you are hoping for. Hellebores make good edging plants for a shaded border, they range from 40 to 60 cm tall and are very hardy here in southern Ontario.
Once established, hellebores require very little care. In the early spring, cut back the previous year’s foliage, ideally before the plant comes into full flower. The old leaves often lie flat to the ground in the spring, as if pushed back by the newly emerging foliage and flower stems. Cut the old stems back hard, as close to the base of the plant as possible, and dispose of the leaves. At this time, it’s also a good idea to top dress the soil around the plant with well aged manure or compost.
The plants also appreciate a gentle layer of shredded bark mulch toward the end of June, this helps to keep any weeds at bay and helps to retain moisture during the dry summer months. Be sure to keep any compost or mulch away from the crown of the plant.
After several years, I discovered a crop of seedlings had settled under the shelter of the mother plants. I left them in place for the first year and then carefully transplanted some of the larger seedlings to the half moon garden, where they quickly settled in. The seedlings took about four years of growth before they produced any flowers, so you have to be patient.
This spring, the transplanted seedlings have all come into flower, and what a pretty show they make — the colours vary from one plant to the next, in shades of white, chartreuse, deep pink and lavender pink, some are freckled, others are bare, but they are all lovely. If there is a caveat for growing hellebores from seed, it is that they do not come true. You get a mixed bag of colours and it will take several years before you know which colours you will get. On the plus side, self-sown hellebores are very economical (think, free) and the mixed colours harmonize well.
Hellebores can be divided, but they will often stop flowering for several years after they’ve been divided, so proceed with caution.
Hellebores have complex flowers. The five outer petals are actually sepals that are very sturdy and have a leathery feel. The sepals protect the inner flowers. Lime green capsules, known as nectaries are actually modified petals, they produce nectar to attract pollinators. The male anthers and nectaries fall away once the flower has been pollinated, leaving the seed pod and sepals intact. The sepals change colour as the plant matures, but they hold on for several months, giving the appearance that the plant is still in bloom.
Hellebores are poisonous, so no part of this plant should ever be consumed. Some people develop a rash if they come into contact with the sap. If you are sensitive, wear gloves when handling the plants. On the plus side, deer and bunnies do not munch on hellebores.
I’ve just treated myself to a new potted hellebore in lovely marbled shades of deep rose, chartreuse and cream. It will enjoy pride of place on deck for the next month and then be planted out with the other hellebores in the border. Don’t be afraid to give this hard working perennial a try — it’s definitely worth the investment.