Name: Cal McGaugh Escondido, California (Zone 10b)
Beautiful banner blooms, Leslie!
I just started growing Hellebores in 2019, and was happy to
see them come back this year. Amazing since they are only
hardy for zones 5-8, and we're 10b.
Similar to yours, but not as profuse bloomers (yet).
Interesting that they change from white to green, rather than green to white! The blooms arrange themselves in an linear fashion, perfect for a banner!
Name: Cal McGaugh Escondido, California (Zone 10b)
Found this good article.....e.g. I didn't know they should be pruned early,
and to wear gloves when pruning, as the sap is irritating. https://gardengoodsdirect.com/...
A great introduction to an unusual variety of Helleborus, which then led me to follow up with Cal's two informative sites. Always something to learn and appreciate from our Banners.
Cal - Interesting articles. Besides cutting off the very old leaves that become dark and ratty looking I have never pruned my hellebores. Some of the newer hybrids don't seem to be especially fertile so they haven't really spread too much in my yard.
They do appear to like lots of watering. We had record rains last year and they went bloom crazy this spring. The hellebore in the banner gets too much sun (from what planting guides say) but flowers copiously regardless.
"The chimera is a one time happenstance event where the plant has a senior moment and forgets what it is doing." - Paul Black
As popular as hellebores are where I live, both in public and private gardens, I rarely see ones with double form blooms like these, so your selection was an especially welcome sight in the banners It was interesting to hear both from you and from Cal that at least some cultivars defy general growing 'wisdom' and survive or even thrive in less than ideal conditions. Where I live, they're loved for their winter hardiness, as well as their early bloom period. They shrug off late seasons freezes and snows as no big deal. Nice to know they can do well in much warmer zones, too.
Elizabeth @archtangent, I was surprised to find that both hellebores and peonies would survive in North Carolina. I expected both to hate the hot humid summers. Instead both appear to thrive. Obviously I was happy to hear that as I then promptly planted both!
How is A2 doing? Been awhile since I have been there. I grew up in Michigan and went to U of M.
"The chimera is a one time happenstance event where the plant has a senior moment and forgets what it is doing." - Paul Black
EscondidoCal said:Breck's made me an offer I couldn't refuse for a collection....still pretty expensive,
but life is short. https://www.brecks.com/product...
Forgot to mention that my pictured hellebore is another part of that same wedding party group. I always wanted to add Dark and Handsome to my mix. The two members I have are both really good growers. Hope those three do well for you. They will be pretty mixed together.
"The chimera is a one time happenstance event where the plant has a senior moment and forgets what it is doing." - Paul Black
