Finally, after four years: Helleborus vesicarius in bloom

Good things come to those who wait we are told. Helleborus vesicarius seedlings were set out in spring of 2006 after a supplier donated a pot full of 20 seedlings with the warning that it was a very tricky species to grow.  He was in Virginia, not exactly a similar climate to southern Turkey and northern Syria where it is native.  Denver is perhaps not an exact match either, but closer with  summer drought broken only by sporadic thunderstorms. 

Originating  from montane elevations in alkaline clay soils, it has so far been hardier than predicated.  ”Hellebores: a Comprehensive Guide” by  C. Colston Burrel and Juduth Knot Tyler guessed zone 7. It has survived -10 degrees Fahrenheit with almost no snow cover
Read more »

A surprising 65 degrees today, in January!

It was a record-breaking 71 degrees and sunny yesterday, too. Just enough warm weather lately to coax out some early bloomers. The hellebores (Helleborus spp.) and witch hazel (Hamamelis species) are already starting to bloom in the garden just south and southeast of the Waring House at 909 York Street. And the hellebores are just covered with bees! Truly an early sign of spring . . .