Hellebores

[cohan]

You have a lot of nice ones, Michael! At work they are selling some Hellebores in the floral section- something simple- white flowers long petals, maybe niger.. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile trying to get one to plant out later-- but I'd have to keep it happy indoors for most of 3 months yet! Plus they are $20, and I'm cheap...lol but its probably the only time I'll see them in person (as temporary indoor flowers), I doubt if local nurseries are likely to carry them for outdoor planting in summer, with no flowers on them, though I guess I can watch for them...

[RickR]

We've had hellebores at the Home Depot for three springs now in our outdoor garden center, and two winters as indoor specimen flowering plants.  (Although they don't make nice looking plants for inside, in my opinion - to gangly.)  Nothing fancy - Royal Heritage, Ivory Prince and the like.  For the outdoor garden center, they must hold them in the cold cellar, because they are fresh blooming when we have them in May.

[cohan]

I'd be happy if I could find some young plants in small pots for $5 or so, but I'm probably dreaming...lol I really don't like buying one plant of something, but at $20  I can't afford multiples (unlikely I'd buy even one).. I'd really rather have species than hybrids, but I'd take anything locally reasonable... probably have to wait for seed in the end anyway...lol

[Hoy]

I'd be happy if I could find some young plants in small pots for $5 or so, but I'm probably dreaming...lol I really don't like buying one plant of something, but at $20  I can't afford multiples (unlikely I'd buy even one).. I'd really rather have species than hybrids, but I'd take anything locally reasonable... probably have to wait for seed in the end anyway...lol

Try seed! Seeds germinate easily as long as they are fresh. You get nice plants in a couple of years!
They do sell Hellebores for Christmas here -  and always nameless expensive plants! Usually niger but also some others.

[Saori]

Try seed! Seeds germinate easily as long as they are fresh. You get nice plants in a couple of years!

I agree with Trond! The seeds don't like to be dried out but if you sow them fresh, they germinate like weeds! I have been trying to cross some of my plants and get some interesting colors and forms. We'll see how they turn out in a few years...

[Saori]

Here are some more flowers...

[Saori]

And the last batch for now...

[cohan]

Thanks Trond and Saori- good to know they don't take forever from seed.. I think Kristl at Gardens North has offered some- a good source for any ephemeral seed since you know she handles it right! Any other seed sources you know of?
Saori- lots of beauties there!

[RickR]

Beautiful, Saori!

I am partial to the dark ones. 

[AmyO]

Thanks Trond and Saori- good to know they don't take forever from seed.. I think Kristl at Gardens North has offered some- a good source for any ephemeral seed since you know she handles it right! Any other seed sources you know of?
Saori- lots of beauties there!

Cohan...the NARGS surplus seed exchange still has a number of selections! You should check it out...I ordered a bunch today! 

Saori...Your anemone centered ones are so beautiful!!! And I do love the picotees as well!

Is anyone going to the Oregon Hardy Plant Society spring plant sale in April?? I'll be there as the American Primrose Society national show is going to be there at the same time. So I hope I'll be meeting some you left-coasters there!!

[Hoy]

Amy, I'm on the left coast too but unfortunately at the wrong continent!

Saori, you are ahead of me - both regarding plants that flower now and plants with different colours! I have a lot of small plants that I hope will flower this year or next.

[Geo F-W]

Wow Saori! What a great collection! I love 20 & 24!
But...Are you Saori on the Facebook group Heavenly Hellebores?  


Some of Koen Van Poucke, Martine Lemmonier and Thierry Delabroye :

[Geo F-W]

A little more...

[cohan]

Some very interesting colours, Geoffrey!

Amy- I'm still not an actual NARGS member, the seed-ex would be the only reason to join (no clubs to attend near enough) so it hasn't happened yet...

[Schier]

cohan, Three years ago I managed to get 3 from Canadian Tire, I think it was.  I bought them about 6 weeks into the "garden centre season" and didn't pay too much, maybe $6.00 each? They aren't species which I would prefer, but what the heck ! I'm going to try some more from seed, but for now the ones I have are doing great ( at least I hope they still are .... ) and the flowers last for the longest time.  For all I know they may have turned up at Canadian Tire by mistake, but I'll check there again this year, just in case.