Helleborus Orientalis

How do I care for my Helleborus?
Helleborus is an easy-care compact plant. It can grow to a height of 60 centimetres. Because it naturally grows in humus rich (slightly calciferous) soil, it is best if you use this type of fertilizer. The Helleborus will benefit most from this when you do it in the autumn before it flowers. If you want to plant this spring Rose in open ground, it is best to add some humus rich potting mix to its soil in your garden.

What is the best location for a Helleborus Orientalis?
The Helleborus is native to wooded mountain areas. Because it is a relatively small plant, it gets little summer sun in those locations while all of the larger plants and trees around it are in full leaf. During autumn, when they all lose their leaves, this winter flowering plant gets sun/semi-shade. Fallen leaves offer direct protection and nutrients; so it is fine to leave these on the ground! You can copy the natural habitat of the Helleborus quite easily in your own garden. Make sure that the soil is not too acidic and well-draining. Helleborus Orientalis will not grow well in soil that is too wet.

Where does the Helleborus come from?
The Orientalis is also called Oriental Christmas rose and, as the name suggests it originally came from Eastern areas. You will find them in Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, but also in Central Asia. Helleborus Orientalis has been is a favourite with many garden lovers all over the world for hundreds of years. By the many crossings that have been created over the years, this plant is available as various varieties, in different sizes and colours.

Is this Helleborus suitable as cut flower?
We increasingly see different Helleborus-varieties being used as cut flowers. The Helleborus Orientalis is also great for this purpose. It is best to cut this flower before it is fully open. This will ensure that you get maximum enjoyment of these flowers in your house!

When does this Helleborus flower?
The Helleborus Orientalis flowers a little later than most varieties. Most varieties bloom from February to May. As a young and small plant, the Helleborus Orientalis produces little to no flowers, but after a year it will already have beautiful flowers! Because the Helleborus flowers in the winter and early spring, it is very attractive to bees that emerge from their winter sleep. It is a truly bee-friendly plant. Helleborus belongs to the perennial plants. This is remarkable, because unlike most perennials, this winter flowering plant stays beautifully green in the winter. They are even at their beautiful best during that time!

Can I prune the Helleborus?
Generally speaking, there is no need to prune your Helleborus. Because Helleborus is evergreen, its older leaves will often become less fresh looking or quite large. You can just cut these leaves away to let new fresh leaves develop. It is best to do this before it flowers anyway to let its flowers reach their maximum beauty. Because its flowers develop from the base of the plant, you can trim back the Niger and the Orientalis. This is not the case for other Helleborus-varieties.

Winter hardiness:
Good
Soil type:
Humus rich, slightly calciferous and well-draining
Moisture levels:
Normal, not too wet
Location:
Semi-shade
Height:
To 60 cm
Evergreen or deciduous:
Evergreen
Pruning:
Remove old and diseased leaves
Fertilizing:
In spring or autumn with calcium and/or humus
Flower:
Available in white, pink and red
Flowering period:
February to May
Trivia:
Helleborus Orientalis is a long-time favourite among garden lovers. Hundreds of different varieties have been developed. because the Orientalis originated in Asia, it is also called Orientalis Christmas rose, or spring rose because of its early flowering habit.

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