Re: [SG] dry shade & Hellebores

Hello Claire & Others
        There are basically two types of Hellebores in growth habit and they have
to be treated differently. One type has a crown and lots of buds or eyes
that turn into either blooms on stalks or leaves on stalks... separate
functions on individual stems. The other type, such as the Bearpaw or
Stinking Hellebore (H. foetidus) has both blooms and leaves on the same
stalk. you can trim the ratty foliage from the crown type and it actually
helps the plant. Trim too early on the Bearpaw and you may kill it. This
one need to go through a cycle... and...it is not a long lived as the crown
type growth to begin with. Usually around 3 to 5 years.
        Let your H. foetidus drop a few seeds into the mulch around it and keep
one going in reserve. I have successfully cut a bloom stem from a plant and
had the plant live on, but never cut all stems until I see more new stems.
        Fresh seed that has not been allowed to dry out does best. Sow fresh and
place the pots in a shaded cold frame and allow to winter over. The seeds
require warm-cold-warm to germinate. Old seeds may require more than one
season to germinate. Some people do hurry up the process with the paper
towel method.
        Gene Bush     Southern Indiana    Zone 6a     Munchkin Nursery
          around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com     http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----------
> From: Claire Peplowski <ECPep@AOL.COM>
> Subject: Re: [SG] dry shade
> Date: Wednesday, February 24, 1999 11:46 PM
>
> In a message dated 2/24/99 10:54:10 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> WeedRwoman@AOL.COM writes:
>
> << As you grow this plant, perhaps you can answer a question of mine.  On
one
> of
>  my plants, the bloom stalk became very large, and when it was removed,
there
>  was little left of the plant.  In fact, it died.  I have not had this
>  experience with the others and wonder if you have ever seen this? >>
>
> Patsy,
>
> No, I have not seen this with a hellebore but I have seen this happen
with
> other plants.  Maybe the plant was too well cared for.  Or perhaps, it
was a
> rogue with a suicidal wish.   That is my explanation when I am stumped.
>
> Hellebore foetidus tends to have heavy flower stalks.  When they are in
> fertile, moist soil the stalks fall over.  Here they are on their own in
dry
> sloped areas where they do not always manage to flower each year.
>
> It is interesting to note that plants purchased in different locations
behave
> differently.  Some become quite tall and others never reach any height.
BTW,
> I have tried seed for this species and have had no success.  It is very
> persistent here, I never lose this plant to the droughts or winters.
>
> Claire Peplowski
> East Nassau, NY
> z4
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