Helleborus hybridus Double Picotee

Helleborus x hybridus Double Picotee is one of the most delightful varieties of hellebore one can imagine. Its double cream-coloured flowers, are adorned with a frill of smaller petals, delicately veined and edged with pink, in the centre. Like all hellebores, this perennial is robust despite its delicate appearance. It is essential for shaded areas of the garden during the short days of winter.

Originating from northwestern Turkey to the Caucasus and northeastern Greece, Helleborus orientalis, sometimes called Lenten Rose, is a perennial plant of the ranunculaceae family that easily hybridizes with other species, resulting in many hybrids of diverse colours and forms. These hybrids are no longer given variety names but are distinguished by their shape and colour characteristics. The Oriental Hellebore can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). It grows spontaneously in forests, thickets, and clearings up to 2,000 m (7ft) in altitude, usually in humus on limestone substrates.

The 'Double Picotee' variety slowly forms a compact, leafy clump, reaching 40 cm (16in) in all directions comprising palmate, slightly toothed, dark green and glossy, evergreen basal leaves, 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) long, composed of 7 to 9 leaflets. Considered evergreen, they actually live only 8 months and are regularly replaced by new leaves.

From January to March, bouquets of flowers measuring 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter form in the heart of the foliage. They are cup-shaped and arranged in a row of large cream-coloured petals edged with pink, surrounding 2 to 3 rows of thinner, smaller petals, strongly veined and edged with pink on a background of ivory washed with mauve. They are inclined downwards, allowing water to slide off like an umbrella to protect the heart of the flower from rotting. Over time, Hellebore flowers do not wilt like the majority of other flowers, but dry out, taking on lovely faded tones. The Hellebore does not like to be moved once established, as young plants take a little time to flower. The seeds are sown by ants.

The flowering of hellebores is perhaps one of the most anticipated joys for gardeners, accompanying the lengthening days that herald the end of winter. Use them like elements of an old tapestry, mixing them with woodland plants of brighter colours. They are showcased when planted near Pieris, euphorbia that will flower just after them, under conifers (especially on windy sites), and surrounded by wood anemones, corydalis (in non-limestone soil), dicentra, liverworts and violets, or spring-flowering bulbs (crocus, early cyclamen, botanical narcissus), and snowdrops. You can also accompany them with ferns and shade-loving irises to create a beautiful contrast a little later in the season. They can be planted in groups, like a bouquet, in shade near the entrance of the house to fully enjoy their early flowering. They are suitable as cut flowers and in borders, edgings, or containers,...

Each seed-sown hellebore has a unique flower colour: thus slight variations in colour may exist between two plants, which is normal and inevitable. However, if the difference is too significant and detracts from the desired effect, we will refund or replace the affected plant.