Hellebores

Hellebores are a perennial plant which have long held appeal for the hobbyist, but are now becoming more widely available and accessible to the average gardener. Many Helleborus species are easy to grow, and produce a spectacular display, especially when planted in a drift under trees. Hellebores favour a shady position, and will flower in winter when there is little other colour in the garden. They are favoured for their delicate, hanging heads, and, with the right conditions, will spread themselves throughout your garden.

Some 'easy to grow' species

Many of the varieties new to Australia have been grown from wild varieties native to the UK, Spain, France, Turkey, Greece, Yugoslavia and China. While these are collector's plants many of the more established species are easy to grow:

• Helleborus orientalis comes in a wide range of solid coloured flowers, as well as some speckled varieties.
  
• H. foetidus is also known as the stinking hellebore, as it smells when bruised. It has green flowers.
• H. niger is the black hellebore. This name refers to the plant's black roots. Its flowers are white, and become flushed with pink or purple as the flowers mature.

Best climate and position

Hellebores grow best in southern Australia in cool, elevated regions from Sydney to Perth and south (see climate map). They will flower in almost full-sun, but prefer semi-shaded positions, particularly in summer.

Care

To keep soils moist incorporate plenty of compost when planting and mulch well. Water well, particularly during summer. Remove dead flowers and leaves in spring, but otherwise do not prune. Fertilise in spring by mulching with well-rotted manure.

Hellebores produce seed readily, and in going to seed, will spread themselves through your garden. You can also encourage new plants by splitting up existing clumps immediately after flowering. However, plants may not flower as well if disturbed too much.

The best way to see the flowers

To best see the delicate flowers in winter, remove the finished leaves in autumn to allow the plants to flower before the new growth appears.

Immature flowers wilt when picked, but you can float flower heads in a vase or bowl of water inside.

Hellebores can do well in a terraced garden, and in pots.

Cost and availability

1. Seed:

We visited the garden of Ted West to film the story. Ted does sell some seed (and small plants) to offset the cost of his hobby. Contact Ted West, PO Box 8, Upper Ferntree Gully, Vic, 3156. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Phone: (03) 9758 1056.

Seed supplies are available from Ian Collier, PO Box 802, Civic Square, ACT, 2608. Phone: (02) 6249 6841. Fax: (02) 6248 5904. Ian also sells plants at the Hall Market, Gladstone Street, Hall Village, ACT. The market operates on the first Sunday of each month from 10am-3pm. This Sunday the 7th September, there is to be a big sale of Hellebores.

2. Potted plants:

Helleborus orientalis in 15-20cm (6-8") pots are sold at most nurseries from around $7. Look for plants in flower to select the best colours. While your local nursery will probably have some Helleborus species, you may have to hunt around for some of the more recently introduced species and named varieties.

Mail order

Florilegia Nursery, Main Road, Mt Macedon, Vic, 3441. (Mail-order or visit the retail nursery in the village.)

Lambley Nursery, 'Burnside', Lesters Road, Ascot, Vic, 3364. Phone: (03) 5343 4303. Fax: (03) 5343 4257. (Catalogue available.)

Norgate's Plant Farm, Blackwood Road, Trentham, Vic, 3458. (Hellebore plants from $3 each plus postage.)

Woodbank Nursery, RMB 303, Kingston, Tas, 7050. (Catalogue available.)

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