Hellebores, of the Ranunculaceae family, can be rhizomatous, herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming a clump of pedate (foot like) basal leaves, or evergreen with erect, leafy stems. Large, bowl-shaped flowers are borne in loose clusters in late winter or spring.

A vast array of Hellebores (Helleborus) are available, with several pages listed in the RHS Plant Finder. With so many to choose from it can seem overwhelming deciding on the right hellebore for your garden. With a hellebore to suit nearly all situations, you too can enjoy welcome flowers in the deepest of winter.

Helleborus orientalis

The oriental hellebore is native to deciduous and evergreen woods and grassy clearances in north-eastern Greece, Turkey, along the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains. It is commonly known as the Lenten rose and is happy to grow in many positions in the garden. So long as the situation is not too hot and dry in summer or excessively wet in winter, it will thrive. Oriental hellebores prefer partial shade, but it can do well in full sun providing the soil contains enough moisture.

Featuring in our spring display at the nursery are Helleborus orientalis ‘Spring Bright’ and Helleborus orientalis ‘Spring Sunset’

Helleborus orientalis ‘Spring Bright’

New for 2018, this elegant Hellebore draws the eye with its large deceptively simple cup-shaped pure white flowers, each petal finely edged with blackberry red and flushed fresh green at its base. These are set off to perfection by the mid-green glossy foliage above which they gently nod. Flowering January to April

Height x Spread: 40cm x 40cm

Available via Mail Order / from the Nursery - only £9.50 in a 3Ltr Pot

(Please check Nursery Opening Times before visiting)

Helleborus orientalis ‘Spring Sunset’

With its deep blackberry-coloured single flowers with contrasting yellow stamens gently nodding above dark reddish-purple stems and glossy dark green foliage, this must be one of the most striking new hellebore introductions. Flowering January to April.

Height x Spread: 40cm x 40cm

Available via Mail Order / from the Nursery - only £9.50 in a 3Ltr Pot

(Please check Nursery Opening Times before visiting)

Helleborus x nigercors

H. x nigercors is a hybrid of the sun loving H. argutifolius (the Corsican hellebore) and the shade loving H. niger (the Christmas rose).

The slightly toothed leaves, which are divided into three parts, remind one of the parent plant H. argutifolius. The plant habit and the white flowers, which might have a green or cream colour as they mature, are reminiscent of H. niger.

If you are looking for something for sun or partial shade that will tolerate free draining soil Helleborus x nigercors ‘Emma’ is an excellent selection and forms part of our spring display.

Erect stems stand above the green-grey foliage, bearing large outward facing, saucer-like white blooms which age to pink and then green. This evergreen hellebore flowers from mid December to March.

Height x Spread: 25cm x 30cm

Available via Mail Order / from the Nursery - only £9.00 in a 3Ltr Pot or £7.00 in a 1ltr

(Please check Nursery Opening Times before visiting)

Helleborus x sternii

For full sun and fertile well drained soil (although it will tolerate partial shade), Helleborus x sternii has attractive blue/green slightly serrated, evergreen foliage with delicate silver marbling. Tall burgundy flower stalks bear the palest green & buff coloured flowers from January to March. This hybrid hellebore came about as a result of a cross between Helleborus argutifolius and Helleborus lividus.

Height x Spread: 30cm x 30cm

Helleborus x sternii is seed grown and can be variable in flower colour, as the flowers age they can take on more of a buff colouring.

Available via Mail Order / from the Nursery - £8.50 in a 3Ltr Pot or £6.50 in a 1ltr

(Please check Nursery Opening Times before visiting)