Re: Hellebores

> From: Jan Hibner <janh@INFOCOM.COM>
>
> Which hellebores grow well in zone 5, Richmond, IN?

---------------

Just about any of the readily available species and clones except H.
argutifolius, which is rated hardy only to USDA z. 6.  It can survive
colder weather, but the foliage and flowers get too damaged to make
it a happy camper.  Most hellebores are rated to at least USDA z. 4.
Since the H. x hybridus AKA orientalis cultivars can have several
species in their make up, some might be more hardy than others, but
the ones that you can easily get your hands on should all do well if
properly sited.  I'd avoid putting them where they are subject to
harsh winter winds as these are basically evergreen and the foliage
can suffer, esp. if they also get full winter sun on them.  They will
still grow and bloom, but you'll end up trimming a lot of browned
leaf tips.

H. foetidus should do well unless it gets totally covered in heavy
snow, which can rather mash it down - this is a fairly tall species.
Pale, creamy green flowers that brighten up the late winter - early
spring garden no end.  I know 'green' doesn't sound exciting, but
these are lovely creatures.  I grow the cultivar 'Wester Flisk',
which, in it's best forms, has red stained stems and a thin red line
at the edge of the flower as well as very dark, almost slatey greeny
black winter foliage...love it!

I have yet to have much success with H. niger, but keep trying as I
know it's my fault since it should do just fine if I can ever get it
going.  I know of several people in USDA z. 4 upper New York state
who grow it with no problems.

Hellebores are like potato chips.....you can't just have one:-)  I
have become well and truly addicted in the last couple of years.

So, do a bit of research and see what takes your fancy and try one.
If you are just starting to dig into this genus, the series of
articles I did a couple years ago on them might be of interest to
you.  URL to first one in the series is:

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/shade_gardening/17614

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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