Hellebore heaven!

Spring 2022 is proving a great one for hellebores ('Lent roses') - especially the many and varied forms of Helleborus x hybridus (until recently H. x orientalis). The last forty years have seen amazing developments in these: when we lived in Shropshire we would make an annual pilgrimage to Ashwood https://www.ashwoodnurseries.com/ to see the latest cutting edge developments ... Black flowers! Double flowers! Double black flowers! Oo, mum! - the excitement!

Doubles are still a bit rare and special here in France - before the Brexit curtain descended I treated myself to 20 tiny doubles at £2 each to grow on quietly in a shade tunnel: they are starting to flower now, so I'll select the very best for my garden and send the rest to the Church Plant Fair. I think I'm getting a bit more discerning now though, and less impressed with some of the 'busy' doubles. What do I mean? I'm not sure for example if I like this white. Do you?

In the sunny calm before 'Storm Eunice' I went out round my garden with the camera to see how the flowers were coming on. They are doing well in our rainy climate and heavy soil, and some beauties are emerging. Not a full double - I think they call this one 'anemone form' - but I find the simpler flower very pleasing.

The pink and dark purple spots of this single are very attractive.

You can't beat a shining clean white, especially set off by the red markings: the bees love this open form.

Of course the trouble with hellebores is that you need to get down low to see the flowers (still easier than snowdrops though!), but some have flowers that are quietly attractive from the outside as well, like this one, with alternate pink and purple petals. (The inside of this flower is pretty too)

I'm not sure if this is my favourite hellebore plant, but it was certainly my favourite picture from yesterday - a lovely flower, caught by just the right angle of February afternoon sun. I hope you like it too!

Welcome to Hellebore heaven!