Helleborus HGC Lisann

The Lisann Hellebore is a hybrid between the Christmas Rose and other Hellebore species that offers an early and long-lasting flowering, starting in October. The plant produces large single, brilliant white flowers with a green centre from which yellow stamens emerge. These large corollas rise above the dark green foliage, which serves as a beautiful backdrop. Lisann forms a compact, decorative clump all year round with its beautiful, persistent, and finely cut foliage. Robust and very hardy, this perennial can be grown in borders, under shrubs and in pots.

Helleborus is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which includes about sixty genera and approximately 2500 species. Many of them are poisonous and contain substances which are toxic if ingested, providing natural protection against herbivores. The Helleborus genus consists of about twenty species, some of which have been crossed to create new plants. Helleborus x lemperii is a hybrid (hence the x between the genus and species names) obtained by cross-breeding H. niger, the Christmas Rose, and H. x hybridus, a cross that was considered impossible a few years ago. German company Heuger, located in Glandorf, Lower Saxony, has distinguished itself by launching the HGC range (Helleborus Gold Collection), characterized by good cold resistance, particularly large flowers carried by sturdy stems, an extended flowering period, and good suitability for pot cultivation.

Lisann is a remarkable Hellebore with bright white flowering, bringing light to the short autumn and winter days. Large corollas, reaching up to 10 cm (4in) in diameter, appear as early as October, formed by five overlapping petals. The centre displays a beautiful green colour, highlighting a bouquet of yellow stamens. Not only will these flowers beautify your garden for several months, but they will also make stunning winter bouquets. This Hellebore forms a compact clump, so plant it in a container on your terrace or balcony, and it will create a superb potted plant. Its foliage consists of palmate, slightly toothed, dark green and shiny evergreen basal leaves which only live for 8 months and are regularly replaced by new leaves. Their sculptural shape is particularly decorative throughout the year. Rising well above the foliage, the corollas are clearly visible, enhanced by the darker background of the leaves, and open vertically, as in most Hellebore varieties. They may even slightly tilt downwards to let water slide off like an umbrella, preventing water accumulation in the centre, which could cause rotting. Hellebores do not like to be moved once planted, and young plants sometimes take time to bloom, so be careful to choose its location carefully and avoid diggin nearby, as it could damage the roots. Withstanding temperatures down to approximately -23°C (-9.4°F), it is a relatively easy plant to grow, and it will thrive in a partially shaded bed or even in denser shade.

Hellebores are particularly useful for flowering shaded beds in autumn and winter. You can associate this charming Lisann variety with Tiarellas, another genus of perennials well suited to shady conditions, abundantly flowering in spring with very graceful white spikes. Spice Island Digitalis will then take over with its spikes of a very original peach, which bloom from June to October, before the white flowers of Lisann. Also, consider decorative foliage, such Hostas, which range from bright green to blue, with all variations of green-white, yellow-green, golden, and green margins...