Get rid of those winter blues by planting some Helleborus. Helleborus is a perennial flowering plant that blooms from late winter to mid-spring. It is commonly known as Hellebores and belongs to the Ranunculaceae family.

Helleborus is native to Europe from western Great Britain, Spain, Portugal, and eastward across the Mediterranean region. The flowers have five petals and are surrounded by a ring of small, cup like petals that hold nectar. The interesting thing about this plant is that the petals do not fall as other petals do, but remain on the plant lasting for many months.

It has been said that the Helleborus flower resembles a rose and it is sometimes called wild roses, Christmas rose or Lenten rose. However, Helleborus do not belong to the rose family at all. Helleborus are grown in gardens for decoration. But the main reason Helleborus are planted is that these are valued by gardeners for their winter into spring flowering period and the plants are extremely frost resistant.

Helleborus also has medicinal qualities. In ancient history and the early days of medicine, Hippocrates used Helleborus as a purgative. Back then, Helleborus was also used to treat paralysis, gout, insanity and other diseases. Also, some historians believe that Alexander the Great died because of an overdose of Helleborus. Regardless of the history, Helleborus is a beautiful flower and here are some that I am familiar with.

Helleborus Winter Jewels Cherry Blossom – Botanical name is the same
This is a gorgeous flower that has a maroon collar at the center of each bloom. The blooms look almost translucent with a pale green, cream and white base lightly freckled and veined in raspberry. The flower is then accented with a light green stripe up the center of each petal. The blooms measure 3 inches and the plant grows 20 inches high and 24 inches wide. It thrives in zones 4-8.

 

Helleborus Winter Jewels Purple Pink Edge – Botanical name is the same
Here is an American bred Helleborus that took 15 years to breed. Each purple bloom on this plant is edged in pink creating a two-tone effect. The blooms open from dark fuchsia buds which turn into purple as they mature. This Helleborus grows to 20 inches high and 24 inches wide and thrives in zones 4-8.

 

Helleborus Winter Jewels Red – Botanical name is the same
Most Helleborus flowers are in the burgundy and maroon color family. From what I understand, there has never been a true red Helleborus before and this one took 15 years in the breeding process. The petals are a deep red and shade to almost black at the base for a very unique look. The plant grows 20 inches high and 24 inches wide and thrives in zones 4-8.

 

Helleborus Winter Jewels Slate – Botanical name is the same
Here is a very unique Helleborus. It has charcoal color blooms that stem from pure black buds. When the flower opens, it is charcoal grey color with a red vein and a frilly white and yellow center. Truly beautiful! Plant these amongst some red ones for a striking look in your garden. The plant grows 20 inches tall and 24 inches wide and thrives in zones 4-8.

 

To your gardening success,
Diana

Here are some other flower gardening sites that I found for you to browse. Thanks for visiting Best Flower Gardening!

Gardening: News & Videos about Gardening - CNN.com
At The Chelsea Flower Show Photos - CBS News
Add Drama to Your Garden with the New Midnight Mystique Black ...
Botanical Gardens Are Turning Away From Flowers - NYTimes.com
U of M: Gardening Information: Information - Flowers
William Robinson: Definition from Answers.com

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