Peter Valder has always been very fond of green flowering plants, so he decided to put together a list of his favourites for anyone else who might like to give them a try.
Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii
This euphorbia has erect stems, blue green leaves and green flowerheads which appear in winter and last for many weeks. It will grow in all areas of Australia, except for tropical zones. It is frost hardy, and likes a sunny position in cold climates. In warmer areas it needs a little shade.
Hellebores
Hellebores are ideal for planting in drifts under trees, in terraced gardens or in pots. Many species have long lasting flowers that are green or tinged with green, and they add colour and cheer to the otherwise drab winter garden. They grow best in the cooler parts of Australia.
Helleborus argutifolius (formerly known as Helleborus corsicus)
A native of Corsica and Sardinia, this plant is very similar to Helleborus foetidus, but it has larger flowers. They appear above the spiny dark green leaves in late winter and spring. This species is both sun and drought tolerant.
Helleborus foetidus
Also known as the stinking hellebore, because it smells when bruised. Pale green bell-shaped flowers first appear in winter and last for weeks. Self seeds readily.
Helleborus orientalis ssp. guttatus ‘Mrs Betty Ranicar’
A beautiful double hellebore which was discovered by chance in a garden at Deloraine, Tasmania. The flower opens with a blush of green, turns pure white as it matures, then turns green again.
Helleborus x sternii
A clump forming hybrid with glossy, spiny leaves and dark stems. The flowers are creamy green suffused pinkish purple, and they are borne from late winter to mid spring.
Availability
Most nurseries and garden centres stock some varieties of hellebores and euphorbias. If you have difficulty finding any particular variety, you may like to mail order from:
Quindalup Specialist Nursery
Sproules Lane,
Bowral, NSW, 2576
Phone: (02) 4887 1254
Fax: (02) 4887 1399
Prices for hellebores are around $16 for 150mm (6″) pots.
Other sources
Elizabeth Town Nursery
PO Box 28
Deloraine, TAS, 7304
Phone: (03) 6368 1192
Email: [email protected]
Note: these growers are still propagating ‘Mrs Betty Ranicar’ and several other double hellebore varieties but they no longer operate a mail-order nursery. Phone for more information about availability.
Special Hellebore Day
This Saturday (18 August) many rare double and semi-double hellebores will be available at:
Corroboree Park Hall, Paterson Street, Ainslie, ACT
Time: 8am-5pm
Phone: Ian Collier on (02) 6249 6841
Hellebore Weekend
Hellebores will also be available on the weekend of 25-26 August at:
Moidart, Eridge Park Road, Burradoo, NSW
Time: 9am-4pm
Phone: (02) 4861 2600