Helleborus x hybridus Grace Elizabeth

Heleborus x hybridus 'Black' is a variety of Christmas rose that is particularly dark, with almost black single cup-shaped flowers only slightly warmed by orange highlights. The dark colour of the petals contrasts with almost white stamens at the centre of the flower. This robust and very hardy perennial can be grown in borders and under shrub beds, as well as in pots to decorate the terrace or balcony. Easy to grow, even in heavy soil, it will thrive in shade or non-scorching sun.

Originating from Greece, Turkey, and the central and eastern Caucasus, Oriental Hellebore, sometimes called Lenten Rose, is a perennial plant in the Buttercup family that hybridizes very easily with other species to produce many hybrids with varied colours and forms. No variety names are given to these hybrids, they are distinguished by their shape and colour characteristics. Oriental Hellebore is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F), naturally growing in forests, thickets, and clearings up to an altitude of 2,000 m (2,187 yards). The 'Black' variety forms a compact and leafy clump about 40 cm (16in) in all directions. It consists of palmate, evergreen basal leaves, slightly toothed, dark green and shiny, 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) long, composed of 7 to 9 leaflets. They only live for 8 months and are regularly replaced by new leaves.

Between February and April, clusters of flowers 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter form, simple and cup-shaped with a very light bouquet of stamens at their centre. They are inclined downwards, allowing water to slide off like an umbrella to protect the heart of the flower from rotting. The Hellebore is a plant that does not like to be moved once established, as the young plants take some time to flower. The seeds are sown by ants.

Use hellebores like the elements of an old tapestry, mixing them with woodland plants in brighter colours. They are highlighted when planted near Pieris, moderate-sized rhododendrons, under conifers (especially on windy sites), and surrounded by primroses, wood anemones, corydalis, dicentras, cardamines, or spring-flowering bulbs and snowdrops. You can also accompany them with ferns and shade-loving irises to create a beautiful contrast a little later in the season. They can be planted in groups, like a bouquet, in shade near the entrance of the house to enjoy their early flowering up close. They are suitable for cut flowers and in beds, borders, or even containers... Over time, Hellebore flowers do not wilt like the majority of other flowers but dry up, often in beautiful shades.

Each seed-sown Hellebore has a unique flower colour: so slight variations in colour may exist between two plants, which is normal and unavoidable. However, if the difference is too significant and distorts the desired effect, we will refund or replace the affected plant.