I'd almost forgotten about 'Pink Frost' since it is planted in the narrow side strip. It's too narrow to be called a side yard, it is barely 4 feet wide and is mostly just drainage from the roof. I planted 'Pink Frost' there because it seemed to be the best exposure. Previous locations had too much sun and it fried, and then too much shade and it didn't bloom. I noticed it blooming today. It's probably been out for a week or two already.
See how narrow the strip is?
This was my very first hellebore, purchased when I lived at Casa Coniglio. It's supposed to be one of hellebores most tolerant of a wide range of conditions. It is Helleborus x ballardiae, which is a cross between the species H. lividus (pinkish green flowers) and H. niger (the Christmas rose, with white flowers). H. lividus is said to be tough (I haven't grown it) and H. niger is said to be a bit temperamental (I did have one rot out on me even here in the desert). It is said to be a sterile cross. I've certainly never seen seeds or seedlings around these, although I have hundreds of seedlings around my H. niger cultivars. It's not a bulletproof as I've read, but then again, this is a tough climate. I think it is finally happy. I don't see it sold much anymore, although when I bought it, it seemed to be everywhere. I think people are more excited about the H. x hybridus cultivars now, which have much more color, but I think there's a lot of value in this one.
See how narrow the strip is?
This was my very first hellebore, purchased when I lived at Casa Coniglio. It's supposed to be one of hellebores most tolerant of a wide range of conditions. It is Helleborus x ballardiae, which is a cross between the species H. lividus (pinkish green flowers) and H. niger (the Christmas rose, with white flowers). H. lividus is said to be tough (I haven't grown it) and H. niger is said to be a bit temperamental (I did have one rot out on me even here in the desert). It is said to be a sterile cross. I've certainly never seen seeds or seedlings around these, although I have hundreds of seedlings around my H. niger cultivars. It's not a bulletproof as I've read, but then again, this is a tough climate. I think it is finally happy. I don't see it sold much anymore, although when I bought it, it seemed to be everywhere. I think people are more excited about the H. x hybridus cultivars now, which have much more color, but I think there's a lot of value in this one.
I'm imagining more of the same 'Pink Frost' in that narrow bed!
ReplyDeleteIf you don't see me post on including hellebores in a part-shade part of my soon-to-be new home's garden areas, remind me. I'll have at least 2 spaces where they should perform with other planting ideas being formed.....
I like that idea. I may have to add more. But there are other things planted that I don't want to take out. I'll have to check out your post.
ReplyDelete