Flowers in the garden are scarce at this time of the year but that makes them all the more special. The hellebores are beginning to bloom and they are so beautiful - no two look the same.
They're quite modest so it's best to come down to their level and appreciate their beauty close up. They don't have much of a vase life, especially when they first open, but as each flower starts to go to seed, they last longer as a cut flower - the corsican, green flowered, types last the longest, especially when heading to seedpod stage - I had them in a vase for ten days last year. All are beautiful when used to provide a floating arrangement - simply cut the flower heads with no stem attached and float them in a shallow bowl to adorn your table.
Quite a few will readily self seed and the baby seedlings can be moved to their own space - you can then wait with anticipation until they surprise you with their unique flowers - depending upon which parent plants the bees have visited.
They are easy enough to cultivate if you just remember that the heavier your soil, the more sunlight they can tolerate, the lighter, sandier the soil the more shade they need and the Stinking Hellebore (foetidus) which doesn't stink grows best in shade and makes a wonderful border plant.
Would love you to share your favourite winter flower with us! x
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