Helleborus hybridus ViV Suzanna

Oriental Hellebore Suzanna is a variety with romantic charm that will delight even the most demanding enthusiasts. Flowering from November onwards, this Lenten Rose produces double flowers in a mix of pink and creamy white shade, with a slightly crumpled appearance that is quite appealing. It is a robust and hardy perennial, easy to grow in all regions, even in heavy soil, although it prefers humus-rich soils. It will make beautiful borders in shaded areas and its fairly compact habit also makes it easy to grow in pots. Plant it under the shade of deciduous trees, where it will flower at the base in autumn.

Hellebore Suzanna is a member of the Ranunculaceae family,  which includes about sixty genera and approximately 2500 species, mostly herbaceous. The type species Helleborus orientalis is native to Greece, Turkey, and the central and eastern Caucasus. It is a perennial plant that hybridises very easily with other species to produce, through random seedlings, hybrids with diverse colours and forms, so much so that these hybrids are rarely given variety names. They are distinguished by their shape and colour characteristics. Oriental Hellebores are hardy plants that can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C, naturally growing in forests, thickets, and clearings up to 2,000 m (7ft) altitude.

The cultivar Suzanna is a selection originating from Belgium. Suzanna is part of a large collection of hybrids selected for their compactness and abundance of flowers. Suzanna forms a clump 45 to 55 cm (18 to 22in) tall and about 40 cm wide, which will develop under the light shade of deciduous trees, or even under denser shade, such as that generated by conifers. Its foliage consists of palmate basal leaves, slightly dentate, dark green and glossy. These are evergreen leaves in winter, which actually live for only 8 months and are regularly replaced by new leaves.
Suzanna blooms in autumn, mainly from November to December, bringing light under often dark skies at that time. Its double flowers are composed of several rows of petals, with the size increasing from the centre to the periphery. The central petals are shorter and delicately crinkled, while the outer crown is well spread out. Their colour also evokes bygone times, with a soft pink, mixed with creamy white, giving this flowering an undeniable romantic charm. The greenish centre from which the stamens emerge enhances this effect, and if these flowers are pendulous, allowing the water to slide like an umbrella, it is to protect the heart from rotting. Hellebores do not like to be moved once established, and young shoots sometimes take time to flower. Therefore, be sure to choose their location carefully when planting.
This perennial adapts to neutral to moderately alkaline soils, and even slightly acidic ones, preferably rich soils that retain some moisture, although an established plant can tolerate dry conditions. It will be well placed under a leafy tree, which allows winter sun to pass through but protects it from the intense summer sun. It is an easy-to-grow plant and you can also grow it in a pot on your patio thanks to its compact habit. In this case, water it as necessary to prevent it from drying out.

Hellebores are valuable perennial plants for brightening up the dark autumn and winter days. You can plant Suzanna alongside other perennials or bushes with staggered flowering times to enjoy flowers throughout the year. For example, to take over from our Hellebore in a not too harsh climate and neutral soil, plant Loropetalum chinense Fire dance with its fuchsia pink flowers in strips from February onwards. Then, Brunneras with their small blue or white flowers, also very romantic, will be perfect in semi-shade to accompany spring. And to add some height to your border, go for Magnolia Fairy Blush, a hybrid Michelia with pink Lotus-like flowers and irresistible charm, accompanied by a pleasant fragrance.