Re: Lenten rose
Hello Janet,
If your hellebore is just now beginning to put on some growth and good looks,
I would not disturb it and set it back further. Takes a bit of time to get a good
looking hellebore stand.
There is no shortage of colors for the H. x hybridus (orientalis). Slate blue,
'blacks', red, yellow, white, with and without spots, on and on.
There are, indeed, many other species to play with besides the H.x hybridus.
H. foetidus is an easy one... try the H. f. 'Wesker Fisk'. Beautiful foliage.
Turns beet and burgundy during the cooler months of the year. Quick grower. H.
purpurscens is great for cut and toothed leaves for great foliage, blooms of deep
purple-red.
If you are wanting seedlings, simply watch for maturing and spread the seeds
around the base of the mother plant and then lightly mulch. they will take it from
there. heaven only knows what you will actually get in color... probably mostly
what you already have. you may get lucky and get a color throw from recessive
genes.
My slate-blues bloomed for the first time this year.. started them from seed 5
years ago. if you are the patient type and want to play with seeds, there are many
out there who trade seeds. Get them fresh and plant as soon as you receive them
for best results.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Janet N. Yang <jyang1@home.com>
Subject: Lenten rose
> My Helleborus orientalis has taken off this year, after several years
> of one or two short-lived blooms and sparse foliage. Most of the flowers
> appear to be developing seed pods, even though there haven't been any
> bees yet.
> How should this plant be propagated? Cuttings? Division?
> I'd like the plant to self-sow; should I avoid using mulch around
> the plant?
> By the way, my plant has a boring color range; the flowers are
> greenwish white and blend into the foliage. Are there more interesting
> species available?
>
> Janet
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS
