Helleborus hybridus (orientalis) ViV 'Valeria'

The Oriental Hellebore ViV 'Valeria' is a variety with single flowers, which possesses a romantic charm. This Lenten Rose blooms between October and February, producing simple flowers that open in creamy white tones and then evolve into a dark pink, almost red. It is a robust and hardy perennial that is easy to grow in all regions, even in slightly heavy soil, although it prefers humus-bearing soil. It will make beautiful borders in shaded areas, and its compact growth will also make it suitable for container cultivation. Plant it under the shade of deciduous trees, where it will flower in autumn and winter.

The Hellebore 'Valeria' is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which includes about sixty genera and around 2500 species.
The cultivar ViV 'Valeria' is a Belgian hybrid derived from the cross-breeding of Helleborus x ericsmithii. The parents are Helleborus niger, the true Christmas Rose, which comes from the Alps, and Helleborus x sternii, itself a hybrid obtained by crossing H. argutifolius, native to Corsica and Sardinia, and H. lividus, from the Balearic Islands. 'Valeria' is a compact perennial, forming a clump 35 cm in height and width. Its foliage consists of basal, palmate, slightly dentate, leathery, shiny leaves of dark green colour. These are evergreen leaves in winter, which live for only eight months and are regularly replaced by new leaves.
'Valeria' blooms in autumn and winter, between October and February, brightening up borders under often dark skies at this time. The pink flower buds open into about 6 cm in diameter corollas, composed of five rounded petals in bright, creamy white. The centre is occupied by a bouquet of yellow stamens, which adds depth to the flower. Interestingly, as it ripens, the flower gradually turns to pastel shades, ending in dark pink, sometimes bordering on red. This metamorphosis further enhances the beauty of this perennial, as the flowers in different shades mix with the mass of green foliage. Hellebores do not like to be moved once established, as young shoots may take time to flower. Therefore, be careful to choose their location carefully when planting.

Hellebores are valuable perennial plants for brightening up dark autumn and winter days. Combine 'Valeria' with other perennials or shrubs with staggered flowering periods to enjoy year-round flowers. Plant a Daphne odora Aureomarginata in the background to enjoy the incredible fragrance emitted by its clusters of small pink flowers in February and March. The Brunneras, with their tiny blue or white flowers, are also very romantic and will be perfect in partial shade to accompany spring. To add height to your border, go for the Magnolia Fairy Blush, which produces pink flowers with a Lotus-like appearance and irresistible charm, accompanied by a pleasant fragrance.