Growing Conditions:
Full Sun/Part Shade Full Shade Dry Frost Hardy (Below 1c)
Common Name:
Hellebore, Winter Rose, Lenten Rose
Pronunciation:
Variety Profile
A vigorous grower with tidy plant habit. A heavy flowering variety with around six spikes carrying up to twelve flowers each is not uncommon. The ivory-white flowers fade to musky pink and then finally aging with an overlay of chartreuse green. Easy to grow with minimal maintenance and frost hardy below 1ēc it can also withstand low water conditions making it ideal for planting under trees where few other plants can compete. Although a great shade solution - hellebores can also tolerate a good deal of sunlight also and so do not need to be restricted to shade gardens alone.
H. Ivory Prince comes to us from the renowned UK breeder David Tristram. Selected not only for the copious flower stems produced but also flowers face forward unlike most varieties where they hang making it difficult to see their full beauty. The foliage is also handsome in a complementary blue-green colour.
Many hellebores are grown from seed which can offer variations from one
plant to another, H. Ivory Prince, however, is grown from tissue culture
which guarantees that each and every plant will present consistent
flower colour, habit and growth characteristics ensuring desired effects
when mass planting or creating 'drifts' in landscape.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON HELLEBORES:
Hellebores are a classic garden favourite which reminds us that spring is just around the corner. Belonging to the large genus Helleborus, it is part of the larger buttercup family - Ranunculaceae they are native to regions of Europe and Asia.
They are perennials and largely evergreen with strong, leathery leaves which provides a steady foundation throughout the year for shade garden displays. Flowers which end the bleakness of winter early can be found in a host of colours ranging from apricot, yellows and greens through to soft and deep shades of pink, maroon and even deep, dark plums or slate greys and, of course, cream to crisp whites. In addition, petals may be spotted or picoteed (narrow band of colour on edge of petals) whilst others may feature double petals for a ruffled, romatic appearance.
Cultural Care
Medium water requirements. Once established, quite dry tolerant requiring only occasional long soak during extended periods of heat. Plant in most soil types that are well draining. No pruning generally required other than to tidy old flower stems or leaves. Feed in early spring with a slow release fertiliser for best results. Fertiliser more often if grown in containers (see manufacturers recommendation).
Plant Uses
Container displays for winter and early spring Small gardens, patios and courtyards Colour and interest for shady entertainment areas General garden use Great for coastal regions Difficult sites such as beneath trees or low light areas
