My first hellebores have just come into flower and with them uplifting seasonal signs of renewal and hope. I found myself talking to them too, although “Yes” was all I said, with a smile on my face. Hellebores are universally loved plants; woodland perennials, flowering when little else does. They always look classy to me and are highly valued by experienced gardeners yet enjoyed by new gardeners too because they are easy to grow and confidence building.
Hellebores are commonly known as the Christmas or Lenten rose, perhaps a misnomer as the seasons seem to be moving later so they are rarely in flower at Christmas and, being a member of the buttercup family, are nota rose.
Helleborus artgutifolius
CAROLE DRAKE/GAP PHOTOS
Their flowers come in a range of whites,
