Hellebore

Day 143: Hellebore is one of the most rewarding perennials in my outdoor garden. Throughout the year, it's always doing something whether it's producing blooms or showing off its luxurious deep green foliage. Admittedly, it gets a little worn by late November, but then it can be counted on for the earliest flowers of spring. Its alternate name "Lenten Rose" bespeaks its blossoming period, and its colour palette of purples and pinks echo the candle wreaths associated with the religious season. It spreads, but slowly, and the tough roots can be sectioned with a sharp shovel if you want to propagate it or keep it within bounds. It's tolerant of both heat and cold, produces its best colour in semi-shade or early-day sun, and thrives even in almost any soil as long as it is not clayey. Mine is one of the darker varieties, and although its hue has faded since planting due to poor soil and too much light, it flowers prodigiously for six weeks or so prior to peak foliage production. For the remainder of the summer, its mounds of palmate leaves provide a rich background for the obligatory annuals.

Hellebore In The Rain

Day 177: It's been several days since I took this photo through my living room window, really the best view of the Oriental Hellebore (Lenten Rose) since from that angle, it's not hidden by daffodil leaves. As garden plants go, I find it quite rewarding. Once it's done with its lengthy winter-late spring blooming cycle, the leaves darken and become substantially larger, shading out any nasty weeds which might be hiding closer to the ground. It endures dry days without much noticeable effect, remaining richly green until late autumn. The plant then retreats into dormancy for a period of 8-10 weeks before new flower heads begin to appear. If you plant a Hellebore, be sure to give it lots of space. It can become quite large. That said, it is easily divided and "spares" can always be transplanted to other areas of your yard. Keep it out of full sun. Morning light is sufficient to keep it healthy, and if you have a variety with coloured flowers, a little shade will keep them vibrant.