Fourth of July
Featured Plants
In our Garden Center
As you walk through your garden waiting for true Spring and the glory of all the blooming madness, enjoy this lovely, winter flowering gem.
Often called the Lenten Rose or Christmas Rose, Hellebore bloom in winter, bearing nodding, 2-inch flowers in shades of whitish green, pink, or rose.
The petals are actually sepals that shelter the true flowers, which are in the blossom center surrounded by a clump of yellow stamens.
The sepals remain on the plant for several months. Leaves can be as large as 1 foot across and dark green.
Hellebore are evergreen in mild-winter climates (Northern California). Plants eventually form clumps about 2 feet tall and wide. Hellebore plants self-sow readily so to gain additional plants, simply let spent flowers go to seed and transplant where desired.
Grow Lenten rose in a spot that receives winter sun but shade in the summer. Hellebore prefer rich, well-amended, soil. Bumper Crop is an excellent choice. Fertilize once or twice a year. Snails and slugs find the leaves tasty so protect them with your favorite choice of control.
Varieties include:
“Snow Love” -White flowers with greenish tinge.
“Winter Sunshine” -Cream turning to pink-red.
“Candy Love”-Lime green turning to white.
“Tutu”-Pink flecked with dark pink.
“Pennys pink”-Dark pink flowers.
A Shropshire Lad
Abraham Darby
