Plant of the Month - Hellebore

NAME...

Hellebore or Winter Rose (Helleborus)

DESCRIPTION…

Who says winter is dull when the nodding heads of helleborus can turn your day into sunshine. Hellebours orientalis is probably the most well-known species, now available in double forms. They range from pale green or white, pale lemon, pink plum, deep purply black and many gorgeous spotted varieties. Helleborus are shade loving plants and enjoy an acid soil. Somewhat more sun tolerant is hellebrous argutifolius with its cap-shaped clusters of green flowers held on upright stems. Helleborus foetidus is a hardy, tall variety with deeply divided leaves and clusters of pale green bell-shaped flowers. Helleborus lividus has deep green or bluesish green leaves and bowl-shaped creamy green flowers. Many new beautiful hybrids have been created by crossbreeding and are available now at your local Bunnings.

CARE…

All enjoy moist, well drained, acid soil, particularly under deciduous trees. Feed in late summer with low nitrogen fertiliser. Dead-head after flowering finishes unless you want to collect seeds or have a new crop of babies.

PROBLEMS…

Aphids can be a problem and subsequent sooty mould. Treat aphids with pyrethrum or similar and white oil for the sooty mould.

WHERE TO BUY…

Visit your local Bunnings to buy one of the new varieties of hellebore like 'Penny’s Pink' for $23.95…