In about a month or so my Hellebores will start to emerge from their long winter slumber. Along with the crocus’ and my chives the hellebores are often one of the first flowers to emerge each spring. This flower is sometimes called the Christmas rose because in some areas it will bloom in late December. In this area, or at least in my garden it emerges in March, but doesn’t usually bloom until April.
There are approximately 20 species of Helleborus. The flowers have five petals (sepals) surrounding a ring of small cup like nectaries. The sepals remain on the plant rather than fall off as petals would on most flowers. Sometimes the sepals remain on the plant for many months.
Unfortunately many helleborus are considered poisonous. Now that we have a puppy who will more than likely enjoy the backyard frequently we might have to get rid of our hellebores. Of course we always keep a careful eye on our pup and if by chance we can train her to stay out of the garden beds we might be able to keep some of our more risky plants, but I’m not sure I want to take that chance.
Do you grow Hellebores?
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That is a very beautiful flower!!! I wish I could grow them… Now I have to enjoy yours instead 🙂
There are quite a few Hellebores orientalis in my garden , there always were. In fact I grew up with them (in my parents garden) And we always had dogs, I cannot remember any of these dogs ever tried to eat these plants.So don´t worry, even puppies are not stupid! There are so many poisonous plants in gardens…..
Have a nice GTS
Sisah
No Hellebores for me. They are pretty, but I’ve never tried them. I just saw a German blog that feature Hellebores in a myraid of colors. Must be the season all over the world.
Happy GTS,
Aiyana
People seem to be the only ones actually stupid enough to eat poisonous plants. Dogs and cats will usually shy away from them (for the most part).
Those are pretty nice looking. I may have to put a couple in my garden if I get the chance. With it being so mild here during most of the winter they would probably bloom well past Christmas. We only seemed to have about a month of really cold weather this year.
How well do they do in drought conditions? We are still well below average in rainfall so I don’t foresee Georgia getting a break this year.
Oh, BTW, mines up as well. Some indoor gardening since I haven’t had the chance to do anything outside lately.
Oh i am late but mine is here just waiting for your visit.
I just loves when these little guys pop out of the snow in the winter. It sure brings a breath of WARM air to the cold landscape.
Richard , you got me searching when I read your questions. Found a great site for these at hellebores.org
White hellebore is used in homeopathy for the treatment of blood circulation irregularities, cold sweats, vomiting and cramps. The drag is severely toxic and has numerous severe side effects, even in therapeutic dosages.