Helleborus hybridus ViV Eleonora

Eleonora is a magnificent, autumn flowering Oriental Hellebore. This Lenten Rose has simple, intense red flowers, illuminated with a yellow stamen heart for several weeks from September, above dark green foliage. These deeply cut, striking evergreen leaves are decorative all year round. It is a robust and hardy perennial which is easy to grow in all regions, even in heavy soil, although it prefers humus-rich soil. It prefers neutral to limestone soils, but can also tolerate some acidity. It needs moisture and protection from intense sunlight and will thrive in the shade.

Hellebore Eleonora is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which includes around sixty genera and about 2500 species. Many of them are poisonous and contain substances which are toxic if ingested - natural protection to prevent them from being grazed by herbivores. They are valuable plants in the garden, as many genera are highly ornamental thanks to their remarkable flowering, such as Anemones, Buttercups, Trollius, Aconites, and many others, including Clematis. Helleborus orientalis is native to Greece, Turkey, and the central and eastern Caucasus. It is a perennial that readily hybridizes with other species, resulting in hybrids with varied colours and forms. These hybrids are rarely given variety names; they are distinguished by their shape and colour characteristics. The hybrid Hellebore is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F), naturally growing in forests, thickets, and clearings up to 2,000 m (2,187 yards) altitude.
Eleonora is a variety produced by a Belgian company specialising in the in vitro selection and propagation of Hellebores. This method of propagation ensures the perfect transmission of genes and the stability of the species, which can all be identified by their name as a result. Eleonora is part of a large collection of hybrids selected for their compactness and floribundity. This variety forms a clump 35 to 45 cm (14 to 18in) tall and about 30 cm (12in) wide, making it easy to grow in a pot to decorate a balcony or terrace. In the garden, it will thrive at the edge of deciduous trees, or even in dense shade, such as that generated by conifers or in a woodland setting. Its vegetation consists of palmate, slightly toothed, dark green, glossy basal leaves which are evergreen. They only live for 8 months and are regularly replaced by new leaves. Their sculptural shape is decorative throughout the year.

Eleonora flowers for several weeks from September until October. Its simple flowers consist of 5 petals that form a flared corolla, from which the stamens emerge. The intense red of the petals is an uncommon colour among Hellebores, enhanced by a contrasting yellow heart. These solitary flowers are carried on long, branched stems, bearing small leaves. These charming flowers are vertical, or slightly inclined downwards, allowing water to slide off like an umbrella, preventing accumulation in the heart that could cause rotting. Hellebore does not like to be moved once established, and young plants may take time to flower, so choose their location carefully.
This perennial adapts to neutral to moderately alkaline (limestone), or slightly acidic soils, preferably rich and moisture-retaining, although an established plant can tolerate dry conditions. The soil must be well-drained, as Hellebore does not like excessive water in winter. It will do well under a leafy tree which allows winter sun to pass through but protects it from intense summer sun. Its is compact and wider than tall, making it an excellent pot plant to decorate a balcony or terrace. 

This Hellebore is a true gift for the autumn garden, with superb densely red flowers. You will appreciate its blooms when other flowers are scarce, and you can group it with other plants of autumn interest. As well as flowers, you can play with foliage colours, decorative fruits, or even coloured barks. Juniperus squamata Floreant, a dwarf Juniper with blue foliage with yellow streaks, will be a good companion. Rubus thibetanus Silver Fern has highly decorative, bare white stems. In the background of the border, Cotoneaster lacteus is a classic choice, always appreciated for its red berries, which complement the red flowers of Eleonora.