Helleborus x hybridus ‘Helen Ballards Strain’

Description from Seedaholic

Hellebore, Christmas Rose, Lenten Rose (formerly Helleborus orientalis)

Helen Ballard was the ‘Queen of the breeders’ of Hellebores – a rather grand nurserywoman of the English midlands, known for the quality and wide range of forms that she introduced,
Grown from seed descended from the famous named forms, these plants produce flowers that must be some of the finest and most beautiful of the race we have to offer. The waxy flowers can be 7.5cm (3in) or more across and are produced in a variety of colours from dark purple to white – often extravagantly mottled and marked.

This hardy perennial is suited to a site in dappled shade, preferably under deciduous shrubs or trees and make wonderful underplanting, which has semi-evergreen foliage, and flowers between November and April, sometimes later depending on the weather. This delightful plant grows to around 45cm (18in) high when in flower and forms dense clumps to 50cm (20in) wide.

Helleborus bring a magical touch to the garden during the winter whilst most other plants slumber. The large cup shaped flowers have a dainty appearance that defies nature by surviving the cold. The glossy dark green evergreen foliage highlights the beauty of the dappled flower. These truly are beautiful, a bed of these plants in flower will not go unnoticed.

• Packet Size : 10 Seeds
• Family : Ranunculaceae
• Genus : Helleborus
• Species : X hybridus (formerly orientalis)
• Cultivar : Helen Ballards Strain
• Common Name : Hellebore, Christmas Rose, Lenten Rose (formerly Helleborus orientalis)
• Hardiness : Hardy Perennial
• Flowers : From dark purple to white, often extravagantly mottled and marked.
• Natural Flower Time : Mid winter to late spring
• Foliage : Semi-evergreen.
• Height : 45 to 50cm (18 to 20in)
• Spread : Forms dense clumps to 50cm (20in) wide.
• Position : Partial Shade to Full Shade
• Soil : Prefer rich, moist but well drained soil,
• Time to Sow : Sow seeds immediately upon receipt, at any time of year.
• Germination : 30 to 545 days. Dependent on time of year planted.