Helleborus lemperii Lulu

Heleborus x lemperii HGC Lulu offers a long-lasting flowering period, from December to spring. This compact perennial, with its beautiful dark green evergreen foliage, produces large, single flowers in a striking pink. The yellow stamens add to the aesthetics of the large corollas, which are well-supported above the foliage. This robust and hardy perennial can be grown in borders, under shrubs and in pots. It is easy to grow in many regions, even in heavy and limestone soil, and thrives in shade or non-scorching sunlight. Its rare beauty makes it a welcome addition to winter bouquets.

Hellebore is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which includes around 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 crossbred to create new plants. Helleborus x lemperii, for example, is a hybrid obtained by crossbreeding the H. niger, the Christmas Rose, and H. x hybridus, a crossbreeding that was considered impossible just 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 a good ability to grow in pots.

HGC Lulu Hellebore stands out with its sumptuous and long-lasting flowering period. The first flowers appear at the beginning of December, and the flower buds continue to appear until spring, in March-April. Large flowers, reaching up to 10 cm (4in) in diameter, open their cup-shaped, intense pink corollas. A bouquet of yellow stamens emerges from the centre, creating a beautiful contrast in the heart of winter. These flowers are stunning in the garden and also make magnificent bouquets. Carried by robust stems, the flowers rise above the dark foliage and are visible from afar. The large corollas open vertically, as is the case with most Hellebore varieties. They can even slightly tilt downwards, allowing water to slide off like an umbrella, preventing the accumulation of water in the centre which could cause rotting. The foliage consists of palmate, slightly toothed, dark green and shiny, evergreen basal leaves which live for 8 months and are regularly replaced by new leaves. Their sculptural shape is particularly decorative throughout the year. Hellebores do not like to be moved once established, and young plants may take some time to flower, so be careful when choosing their planting location and avoid digging nearby as it could damage the roots. Resistant to temperatures as low as approximately -23°C, it is a relatively easy plant to grow, thriving in partially shaded borders or even dense shade. With a compact habit, as wide as it is tall (up to 50 cm (20in) in all directions), this plant will make a superb flowering container to adorn a balcony or terrace.

Helebores are irreplaceable in the garden, for the beauty of their flowers in winter, when the garden lacks colour. Plant this HGC Lulu Hellebore at the edge of trees to provide it with protective shade with other plants that thrive in similar conditions, such as the Goldsmith Comfrey, an original comfrey with blue and white spring flowers and particularly bright yellow-edged tender green foliage. In the background, plant Siberian Speedwell or Veronicastrum sibiricum, a perennial with astonishing blue flowering spikes that gently undulate towards the sky. To continue with architectural plants, add the classic, yet always appreciated Riccartonii Fuchsia to your partially shaded border, with its red and purple intricate flowers that remain decorative throughout the summer.