Wide ribbons of rosy-coloured hellebores are weaving through our shady border as the crocus and snowdrops recede. Now that most of last year’s spent leaves have been removed, their nodding flowers on strong stems can be better appreciated. I visit them daily. I was late to the hellebore bandwagon for two reasons. First, they’re rather pricey perennials. Young plants need to … [Read more...] about Hello, hardy hellebores
hellebores
The first flowers of spring
In the warmer parts of Canada spring has already sprung, but in colder regions, it’s still a few weeks away. My own Zone 5 garden in south-central Ontario (about 62 miles/100 km north of Toronto) lies somewhere between the two extremes. The minor bulbs of early spring are in flower, as are the hellebores. Early daffodils are about to pop and magnolia, forsythia and lilac are in … [Read more...] about The first flowers of spring
Spring garden container with pink and yellow
Your spring garden containers don’t always need to include tulips and daffodils for a pop of colour. Many spring-blooming perennials hold up for weeks in a pot display, and can transplanted at the end of the season to make room for summer flowers. Here’s an 18-inch (45-cm) diameter concrete container beside a neighbour’s front porch filled with lemon yellow Himalayan … [Read more...] about Spring garden container with pink and yellow
Unpredictable hellebore seedlings
Hellebore blossoms are opening in my garden, and early bees are enthralled with the wide flowers and thick central stamens. It’s going to be another exciting season of unpredictable seedlings. Hellebores crossbreed and reproduce with enthusiasm, and there’s perpetual confusion as they take free rein with their own hybridization programs. Trying to identify self-sown hellebores … [Read more...] about Unpredictable hellebore seedlings
Shopping for hellebores
If you’ve had a chance to read Patrick Lima’s article about hellebores in the new winter issue of Garden Making, you might be on the prowl for a few pots of these lovely plants next spring. I never have enough, and the new strains in production are quite fancy. They have the benefit of beautiful flowers with attractive foliage, so are useful the whole growing season. I’ve … [Read more...] about Shopping for hellebores
