Helleborus ViV Bianca

Bianca hybrid Hellebore is a variety from the ViV collection with a very compact habit. This perennial is the result of cross-breeding between several species, from which it inherits numerous qualities, starting with its decorative foliage. Composed of 3 to 5 quite wide leaflets with toothed edges, these dark green evergreen leaves have a sculptural appearance. They also provide a perfect backdrop to showcase the very large white flowers, which can reach 10 cm (4in) in diameter. Blooming in January and February, they bring joy to the garden during an often gloomy season. Growing in partial shade to full shade, this perennial appreciates moist soils, even heavy ones, as long as they are well-drained.

The Bianca Hellebore is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which includes about sixty genera and around 2500 species. Many of them are poisonous and contain substances which are toxic if ingested - a natural protection to avoid being grazed by herbivores. Despite this, they are valuable plants in the garden, as many genera are highly decorative thanks to their remarkable flowering, such as Anemones, Ranunculus, Trollius, Aconites, and many others, including Clematis. Helleborus orientalis species is native to Greece, Turkey, and the central and eastern Caucasus. It is a perennial plant that readily hybridizes with other species, resulting in hybrids with varied colours and forms through random sowing, rarely given variety names. They are distinguished by their shape and colour characteristics. The hybrid Hellebore is a hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F), naturally growing in forests, thickets, and clearings up to 2,000 m (6,562 ft) altitude.

Bianca is a variety of Helleborus x glandorfii, a complex hybrid obtained by crossing two other hybrids, H. x ericsmithii (itself resulting from the cross between H. niger, the well-known Christmas Rose, and H. x sternii, another hybrid!) and H. x hybridus, whose name says it all... From this intense genetic mix came a perennial full of qualities, which is part of a large collection of hybrids selected and multiplied by a specialist Belgian company. This range has been the subject of a selection process spanning many years to obtain plants that combine compactness and floribundance. Bianca develops into a very compact and leafy clump, reaching only 25 to 35 cm (10 to 14in) in height. It consists of palmate basal leaves with 3 to 5 broad, toothed leaflets that overlap each other, giving a sculptural appearance to the whole. Dark green and slightly glossy, possibly with light green veins, they are decorative all year round. The leaves are evergreen in winter, although they actually only live for 8 months and are regularly replaced by new leaves. Their sculptural shape is particularly decorative throughout the year.

Bianca blooms in the heart of winter, for several weeks from January like other varieties in the Viv collection. This variety is remarkable for the size of its flowers, with corollas reaching 10 cm (4in) in diameter. They are white, with a greenish centre, and a cluster of yellow stamens. These flowers are held vertically or even inclined downwards to allow rainwater to drain and prevent the centre from rotting. Hellebores do not like to be moved once established, and young plants sometimes take time to flower, so be sure to choose the right location when planting.
This perennial adapts to neutral to moderately alkaline (limestone) soils, or slightly acidic soils, preferably rich and retaining some moisture, although an established plant can withstand dry conditions. It will thrive under a leafy tree, which will allow winter sun to pass through but protect it from the intense summer sun. It can also tolerate deeper shade, such as that provided by a coniferous canopy. It is an easy plant to grow, and you can also plant it in a pot on your terrace due to its limited size. In that case, make sure to water it regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.

Hellebores offer some of the most beautiful winter blooms, and this is particularly true for Bianca, whose flower size is exceptional. Its preference for shaded corners allows it to bring light to these dark areas. Plant it under the canopy of a deciduous tree to protect it from the sun during the growing season and fully enjoy its winter flowering; the pale winter sun does not harm it (in southern regions, it is better to provide shade from evergreens...). To ensure a spectacle in winter, play with all the elements by associating Bianca's flowers with those of Cyclamen coum, which are a magnificent pink and will last until spring, as well as decorative barks and fruits. The Cornus alba Siberian Pearls is a Four Seasons Dogwood, with white spring flowers, followed by white fruits turning blue, and foliage turning purple in autumn, revealing superb red mahogany wood in winter, along with Bianca's white flowers. And for decorative fruits in winter, consider the numerous Callicarpas, some of which tolerate partial shade, as well as the Euonymus planipes, a spindle tree with magnificent autumn colours and decorative pink and orange fruits.