Helleborus: An amazing flower for pot and garden
From the few blooming flowers in the heart of winter and a species known since antiquity, for medicinal use, while its poison is due to some to the death of Alexander the Great.
General characteristics
Also known as the “Christmas Rose”, Helleborus has more than 20 varieties that differ in size, shape and shade of flowers. Perennial plant of the Ranougoulidae family and related to the Anemone that does not exceed 40-60cm in height and is usually found in mountainous areas with high altitude. The impressive flowers of Helleborus have pink, white, burgundy, yellowish or green shades, depending on the variety and grow along the shoots in a grape formation. Some of the rarer two-tone varieties have petals in several overlapping rows and are reminiscent of water lilies.
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The flowering plant acquires a very impressive appearance in flower beds or planting pots even if seeds of different variety-shade have been planted in the same place. Due to its toxic action, since its black roots are especially poisonous, Helleborus was used in antiquity in medicinal preparations against various diseases, while some historians attribute the death of Alexander the Great to a poisoning resulting from mixing with it. white Helleboruso (Veratrum Album).
Helleborus Care
Soil: Use a complete topsoil with very good drainage for Helleborus.
Location: It thrives in shady – semi-shady places, as well as in places under trees where the sun passes only a few hours of the day.
Watering: It needs moderate to little watering and with small amounts of water at a time, and during the flowering period, especially in areas with normal or increased rainfall, it may not need watering at all. Plants in pots and in places protected from rain water should be watered sparingly with a small amount of water and after their soil is almost dry.
Pruning: Due to its small growth and low height, Helleborus does not need pruning except to remove the withered – dry leaves.
Fertilization: Fertilization with a granular preparation enhanced with calcium elements, from the end of summer to spring and every 15-20 days, contributes to the development of Helleborus and enhances its flowering.
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Flowering – Propagation
Helleborus blooms from the end of autumn and throughout the winter until the beginning of spring. Its propagation is usually done by dividing the roots but also by the seeds that are in the center of the flowers and can be collected and dried when the flowers of the plant wither.
Ready-made Helleborus plants can be found during autumn and winter in all major garden shops.
Images via: Pinterest
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