This category can be split into two. Our more
main line of species and those that would be regarded as connoisseur
plants, which we plant very small numbers of.
H x sternii is a hybrid of H.argutifolius and H.lividus. This hybrid can give alot of variation in height, leave colour and stem colour. This particular hybrid is not overly tall, with the distinctive lime green flowers with
maroon backs. A good hardy plant and ideal for a hot dry site. Doesn't have the veined leaves of 'Clifton'.
Another species that occurs in the Coatia/Slovenia regions of Europe. There is quite alot of varition in flower colour, the outer being various shades of violet and the inner somteimes green. Can be confused with H.dumetorum as far as the flowers are concerned but has different leaf type - broader and not palmated (split). Again, suited to underplanting of deciduous trees.
A recently found species occuring funnily enough in Croatia. A smaller growing plant with small flowers (2-3cms). Dark purple on the outer, the inner flower is green with dark veins. Looks delicate but has proven hardy in the garden under deciduous trees.
Height 24 -40 cms. An impressive, deciduous plant with large divided leaves.
Rarely available commercially, it is one of the two most widely grown green
flowered species. The plants were originally found in Greece, Bulgaria and
Southern Yugoslavia. The flowers are usually large, greenish yellow and often
scented. The smell is not disimilar to that of the Flowering Currant. Best
planted in a humus rich soil in a sheltered position.
This is a very attractive, smaller in growth habit, hellebore suitable for underplanting of deciduous trees. Hardy and easily grown, it has small green flowers on slender darker green foliage.Only gets to 20-30 cms. Occurs naturally in Croatia, Slovenis and Hungary. Semi deciduous. Only available in small numbers in a variety of pot sizes!
A hybrid of H.foetidus we were given a plant of by a nurseryman in Christchurch. As the name implies, the foliage is quite gold in colour. The more sun it gets, the more yellow the leaves. Appears to be hardy, it is quite a stand out plant. First impression is that it may require some serious nitrogen, but it doesnt. Flowers are similar to the other H.foetidus, with the distinctive maroon edging on the bell shaped flowers.
H.foetidus is a much under-rated plant and much maligned due to it's not so
attractive odour. A great landscaping plant that will tolerate a much wider range
of sites than most hellebores. 'Sopron' has quite distinct blue-green leaves,
light green stems, will grow up to 60 cms and has tall, strong flower stems. The flowers tend to be slightly largwe than 'Wester Flisk'.
'Wester Flisk' is about 40cms
with smaller flowers than 'Sopron'. Has very distinctive
red stems and leaf bracts, while the flowers have a very distinct
maroon edge. A good plant for a tough site and will seed readily.
A hybrid of H.niger given to us by a prominent Japanese grower of hellebores, Uichiro Noda. Pure white flowers have a true semi-double appearence with elongated nectaries of the same pure white colour. The major difference between this hybrid and other Anemone centered hybrids, is that the elongated nectaries remain on the flower after fertilisation. Flower fades to a pretty green with age and is quite thick in the petals. Unfortunately this hybrid isn’t proving to be that stable and not all the flowers will be semi-double. Still a very good compact plant with very distinctive leaves.
Commonly referred to as the Christmas Rose, 'White Magic' is an evergreen plant
that grows to 40-50 cms in height and will grow into quite a large clump of 50
cms in diameter. It has large pure white flowers with a green eye on thick, tall
stems that push the flower well above the leaves. As the flowers age, which may
also coincide with fertilization, they turn pink. This plant needs good drainage. It can stand the dry but loathes continual wet feet. Try planting beneath Rhodos or deciduous trees - the roots of the trees will provide the drainage.
Almost a fully deciduous species, it has some of the darkest green flowers of any hellebore. Slow growing, small and compact, it never the less is an attractive addition to the garden. Like many of the smaller species, it occurs naturally in the meadows of Europe. Sometimes known as the green hellebore. Smaller 2-3 cm flowers.
H.sternii 'Clifton' has dark green, leathery leaves that are quite large,
heavily serrated, pointed and uniform to look at. The leaves have silvery veins
and the stems are quite red. Like most H x sternii flowers, 'Clifton' has
lime-green flowers, blushed pink/maroon on their backs. The flowers are long
living and are still quite attractive well after fertilisation. A great plant
for a dry site.
Please note that the flowers featured on
our website are only a representation of
the actual flower colours and some variation in colour can occur.
