Helleborus Sternii

How do I care for my Helleborus Sternii?
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 grow this plant 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 this Helleborus?
Helleborus originally comes from mountainous regions, commonly on the borders of woods. 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 the 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 Sternii will not grow well in soil that is too wet.

Where does this Helleborus come from?
Helleborus Sternii is also known as Corsican Helleborus. The Sternii is a crossed hybrid of two other varieties from our Hello, Helleborus® assortment: the Lividus and the Argutifolius. Its leaf and winter tolerance come from the Argutifolius, while its compactness and flower come from the Lividus. We have Sternii of various types and colours.

Is this Helleborus suitable as cut flower?
The Sternii can certainly be used as a cut flower. It has many flowers at the end of its strong stems. The leaf at the base of these stems is easy to remove. The Sternii works well as part of natural floral arrangements. These flowers are a little less striking than those of the Helleborus Niger or Orientalis.

When does this Helleborus flower?
Helleborus Sternii already starts flowering in December. Its beautiful flowers stay attractive until into March/April. This variety is available in different colours. Because the Helleborus flowers in the winter and in early spring, it is a most attractive plant for bees that are waking from their winter sleep. It is truly a bee attracting plant!

Can I prune this 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 grow as a stem, you should trim back the Sternii a little more, after flowering has finished, prune them back down to ground level to keep this Helleborus fresh and green.

Winter hardiness:
Good
Soil type:
Humus rich, slightly calcareous and well-draining
Moisture levels:
Normal, not too wet
Location:
Shade/semi-shade
Height:
To 60 cm
Evergreen or deciduous:
Evergreen
Pruning:
Cut off old or diseased leaves and after flowering, cut back dead stems down to the ground.
Fertilizing:
In spring and/or autumn using calcium and/or humus.
Flower:
Flowers form the seeds needed for the Helleborus to spread
Flowering period:
December – April
Trivia:
Because the Helleborus is one of the earliest plants to flower it is very attractive to bees waking from their winter sleep

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