Helleborus is the first perennial plant to flower in our northern climate. Because they are not afraid of the cold, these robust plants beautify the garden early in the spring.
Hellebores are perennials little known to most amateur gardeners. Because they have evergreen leaves, some people think that these plants are not hardy enough to withstand the rigors of our climate. Think again, because certain species and certain cultivars of hellebores can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C!
There are few perennials that bloom as early as hellebores. In the south of our province, most species and cultivars already bloom in April with beautiful white, green, yellow, pink, purple or black flowers. Some years, hellebores manage to cross the snowpack, which slowly melts to bloom at the end of March! Their flowering usually lasts several weeks, almost two months, until early June.
Beautiful leaf
These plants combine beautifully with early flowering bulbous plants, such as crocuses, eranthes, snowdrops and squills. Helleborus also has attractive, very thick, dark green foliage that has the appearance and texture of leather. Some species and many cultivars of helleborus have very decorative leaves, cut into several lobes, which remain attractive until the end of the season. Their leaves match particularly well with those of hostas and ferns.
Hellebores prefer neutral or slightly alkaline soils – with a pH between 6.5 and 7.8 – that are rich in humus and well-drained. Although they prefer cool, even moist soil, they can tolerate short periods of drought. However, it is imperative to provide them with water during heat waves to prevent dehydration.
Hellebores adapt to most conditions, but in partial shade or light shade, under the cover of young trees with light foliage or at the edge of a forest overlooking the river, they give their best.
Every spring, do not hesitate to cut off the old leaves, which could remain on the ground during the winter, to prevent the spread of diseases, and spread a few shovels of compost at the base. Attention ! The leaves and flowers of helleborus are poisonous if swallowed.
Following is the description of some species and cultivars of Helleborus that will work wonders in your garden.
Helleborus ‘Amber Gem’
Thanks to Terra Nova Nurseries
This beautiful cultivar of Helleborus has double yellow flowers with a purple-pink tint.
Height: 50 cm
Width: 60 cm
Flowering: yellow and purple-pink in April and May
Winter hardiness: zone 4
Helleborus ‘Berry Swirl’
Thanks to Terra Nova Nurseries
This variety of hellebores, from the Winter JewelsTM series, has large, double, dark pink flowers surrounded by creamy white stamens.
Height: 50 cm
Width: 60 cm
Flowering: pink in April and May
Winter hardiness: zone 5
Helleborus ‘Black Diamond’
Kind regards, Bloemhoofd
The flowers of this cultivar are very dark purple, almost black, with a center of very contrasting yellow stamens. Noble and beautiful!
Height: 45 cm
Width: 45cm
Flowering: black in April and May
Winter hardiness: zone 4
Helleborus ‘Ivory Prince’
With thanks to Walter Tuinen
The hellebore ‘Ivory Prince’ has ivory-white flowers, barely tinged with pink, borne on purple-colored stems. This perennial plant is beautiful when you grow it in a pot or window box next to heather and ivy. Once flowering is completed, it can be planted in open ground and replaced with annual plants.
Height: 40 cm
Width: 30 cm
Flowering: white in April and May
Winter hardiness: zone 4
Helleborus ‘Tropical Sunset’
Courtesy of Spring Hill Nurseries
This cultivar of Helleborus, part of the RomanticTM series, produces beautiful creamy yellow flowers marked with purple stripes.
Height: 45 cm
Width: 45 cm
Flowering: yellow and purple in April and May
Winter hardiness: zone 4
Smelly hellebore ‘Wester Flisk’
Thanks to Ashwood Nurseries
The dirty hellebore ‘Wester Flisk’ has remarkable green flowers with fine red-edged petals. The flowers are borne on reddish stems that have beautiful, very irregular dark green leaves, the base of which is marked in red.
Height: 70 cm
Width: 45 cm
Flowering: green in April and May
Winter hardiness: zone 5
Oriental Helleborus ‘White Lady’
Thanks to Albert Mondor
This powerful plant produces beautiful, very pure white flowers. The abundant flowering lasts almost two months.
Height: 60 cm
Width: 50 cm
Flowering: white in April and May
Winter hardiness: zone 4