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26/02/2009


my photos

HELLEBORE

The hellebore, flowering above, is doing very well. It is planted in a north facing position, in semi-shade. When planting I incorporated lots of homegrown compost, but once established the hellebore will tolerate most soils.

The dark purple 'lenten rose' is a welcome addition, the only herbacious perennial, alongside spring bulbs, flowering at this time of year in my garden. Plant preferably on a bank at more or less eye level, as hellebore flowers do have a tendency to bow their heads.

Three or five cut hellebore stems do look beautiful in a vase, if you can bring yourself to take them from the garden.



The beautiful illustration above is taken from Culpeper's Complete Herbal with The British Florist 1812.

10 comments:

walter and me said...

Beautiful....I do love hellebores.

Poppy said...

Beautiful, one of my favourites!
Gorgeous picture…love Lou xxx

Anonymous said...

I love these, I think they look so dramatic! You surely have green fingers. My snow drops are poking out the soil at the moment.... :o)

Sal said...

One of my faves too..simply lovely ;-)

Gina said...

just stunning blooms and one of my favourites..unfortunately I've not had a great deal of success..must try again, thanks for the planting info..

ginny farquhar said...

the illustration is stunning. as is your photo. hope you are well Louise, with love
Ginny x

Anonymous said...

My goodness, Louise! That is a thing of beauty indeed! Gorgeous rich colours.

Christy Amular said...

gorgeous and very beautiful!

Selfsewn said...

I have a burgundy one thats still in bud. Lovely though.

Clare

elaine said...

I come to your blog even when there's no new post because I just love clicking your gorgeous pictures. (sigh) xox