Re: Lenten rose
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Lenten rose
- From: D* S*
- Date: Sat, 13 May 2000 16:38:21 -0400
- References: <391D8D8C.2EE472F1@home.com>
Janet --
As a certain Gene Bush has been known to write ;-) most of what are sold
as "Helleborus orientalis" are hybrids and should really be labeled
Helleborus x orientalis. Because your plant is probably a hybrid, the
seedlings from this plant might have different flowers depending on the
throw of the genetic dice. I think it would be safe to say that the
orientalis hybrids have the most color variation, from dark purples, mauves
and reds to pastel pinks.
Hellebores readily self-sow. Whether or not the seedlings can deal with the
mulch depends, I suppose, on what kind of mulch you're using. In the beds
where my Hellebores are planted I've ended up with a mix of wood chips,
shredded leaves, and compost -- the Hellebore seedlings have no trouble
dealing with this mulch (along with the Japanese anemones which are starting
to get weedy).
Most catalogues nowadays offer Helleborus x orientalis hybrids. The better
catalogues even offer different strains ("red-mixes," "white-mixes,"
"purple-mixes," etc.). More and more retail nurseries are also starting to
offer Hellebores. Good hunting!
Dean Sliger
Warren, Michigan, USA
Zone 6B
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