Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Glenda's Gloss ('Epb 25'PBR) (Frostkiss Series)

It is hard to decide whether the flower or foliage is the main attraction with ‘Glenda’s Gloss’ — both are equally lovely. Opening in late winter to early spring from pink-flushed, palest apple-green buds, the single cup-shaped flowers are simply exquisite: each petal is white with a magenta edge that bleeds into the centre as if dipped in ink. Like other Helleborus, the foliage is leathery and glossy, but in ‘Glenda’s Gloss’ it is further enhanced by grey-green marbling that draws the eye and adds texture and interest to shadier parts of the garden all year round.

Sought out by bumblebees for its nectar-rich flowers early in the year, it makes a great choice for a wildlife garden, border or winter planter that receives around four hours of sun a day, though it can tolerate a little more. Easy to grow in fertile, moist but free-draining soil — a quick tidy of dead leaves in November is all it needs to look its best.

Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; skin irritant

Height × Spread: 50cm × 50cm