Hellebores are one of the most wonderful early spring flowering plants available but do you ever think about where they come from and how they are bred? More to be added
Ashwood Nurseries Helleborus Seed Production Greenhouse
Hellebores: Species, Interspecies Hybrids and Cultivars
By Howard Drury
22 species, organised into 6 sections by Mathew 1989 Balkans species very variable and revised by Dr Will McEwan 2019
There are six sections of Helleborus as follows
Chenopus section H. argutifolius, H. lividus
Dicarpon section H. thibetanus
Griphopus section H. foetidus
Helleborus section H. niger
Syncarpus section H. versicarius
Helleborastrum - the problem section extending from the Balkan to Spain and Russia containing 16 badly speciated species and a taxanomic problem. This section includes H. abruzzicua, H. atrorubens, H. bocconei, H. coaticus H. cyclophyllus, H. dumetorum, H. hercegovinus. H. istriacus, h. liguricus, H. multifidus, H. occidentalis, H. odorus, H. orientalis, H. purpurescens, H. torquatus, H. viridis
There are two main groups of Helleborus. They are caulescent and acaulescent groups. The acualescent species produce no true perennial stems while the caulescent speices produce long lalsting stems. The roostock of these two groups also differ. the caulescent species cannot be produced from division.
Acualescent species comprise of H. abruzzicus, H. atrorubens, H. bocconei, H. cyclophyllos, H. dumetorum, H. hercegovinus, H. liguricus, H. occidentalis, H. odorus, H. orientalis, H. purpurescens, H. thibetanus, H. torquatus, H. versicarius, H. viridis.
Caulescent species include H. lividus, H. argutifolius, H. foetidus. Also includes hybrods such as H. x ballardiae, H. x ericsmithii, H. glandorfensis, H. x lemonnierae, H. x nigercors, H. x sahainii, H. x sternii.
There is a alkward species H. niger which is classified as Acaulescent \ Caulescent.
Ashwood Nurseries offer a fine selection of species, interspecies hybrids and cultivars, many of which are excellent garden plants. They all share a subtle natural beauty and charm with many varieties having the added bonus of good architectural foliage. Their intensive breeding programme has resulted in some outstanding new introductions. Their hellebore breeder, Kevin Belcher, is extremely proud of his Ashwood Strains of Helleborus sternii and Helleborus niger, as well as his new inter-species crosses Helleborus x belcheri ‘Pink Ice’ and Helleborus x ashwoodensis ‘Briar Rose’. Please be patient if you are interested in these new varieties, as there will always be limited availability.
Hellebore species and their hybrids will generally flower from January to March, depending upon weather conditions and your location and aspect.
Interspecies hybrids
Interspecies hybrids (All are sterile and do not produce viable seed)
Helleborus Atlas Group. Another interesting interspecific hybrid with large flowers and marbled leaves, the new leaves emerged red when young ageing to green.
Helleborus x ashwoodensis ‘Briar Rose’ (Helleborus niger x Helleborus versicarius) An exciting new interspecies cross-bred here at Ashwood. It has beautiful deep pink flowers with a bold white centre, born in clusters on strong stems. Soft green foliage that is evergreen. Requires a sheltered position with dappled shade and a rich, well-drained soil. A ‘must-have’ plant for the hellebore enthusiast.
Orders are welcome at the only supplier, Ashwood Nurseries, but please be patient as they only have very limited availability. 30 cm (12ins).
Helleborus x ballardiae (Helleborus lividus x Helleborus niger ) (Chenopus x Helleborus sections) after Helen Ballard. A compact, bushy evergreen hybrid with marbled, sometimes veined foliage. Small clusters of cream flowers flushed with various shades of pink, which deepen with age, appear from January to March. Slightly tender: we recommend you container grow your plant in a cold greenhouse, porch or conservatory, using open, free-draining compost. 30 cm (12ins).
Helleborus × ballardiae Anne Watson's strain
Helleborus× ballardiae 'Candy Love' (PBR)
Helleborus x ballardiae 'Coseh 1060' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 720' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 730' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 800' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 810' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 890' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 930' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 940' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'December Dawn'
Helleborus × ballardiae double-flowered (d)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Camelot = 'Coseh 940' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Champion = 'Coseh 730' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Maestro = 'Coseh 890' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Mahogany Snow = 'Coseh 930' PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Snow Dance = 'Coseh 800' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Sparkle = 'Coseh 1060' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Spring Party = 'Coseh 720' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae Anne Watson's strain
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Candy Love' (PBR)
Helleborus x ballardiae 'Coseh 1060' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 720' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 730' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 800' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 810' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 890' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 930' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'Coseh 940' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae 'December Dawn'
Helleborus × ballardiae double-flowered (d)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Camelot = 'Coseh 940' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Champion = 'Coseh 730' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Maestro = 'Coseh 890' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Mahogany Snow = 'Coseh 930' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Snow Dance = 'Coseh 800' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Sparkle = 'Coseh 1060' (PBR)
Helleborus × ballardiae HGC Spring Party = 'Coseh 720' (PBR)
Helleborus x belcheri 'Pink Ice' (Helleborus nigercors x Helleborus thibetanus) Another thrilling interspecies cross-bred at Ashwood Nurseries. Beautiful clusters of frosted pink flowers, paler within, delicately frilled and veined. The young, evergreen foliage is soft and pale green, faintly mottled with silver; becoming ‘leathery’ and ‘niger-like’ with age. Requires a sunny position in a fertile well-drained soil.
A ‘must-have’ plant for the hellebore enthusiast. Orders are welcome but please be patient as Ashwood Nurseries only have very limited availability. 30-40cm (12-15ins).
Helleborus x ericsmithii (Helleborus niger x Helleborus x sternii ) (previously known as H. nigristern after Eric Smith)
A very beautiful hardy hybrid, forming an evergreen bushy plant with attractive, grey-green occasionally marbled foliage. The clusters of large ivory-white flowers, flushed pinkish-bronze or green, deepen with age. Requires a sunny position in a rich soil, preferably moist yet free-draining. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus x ericsmithii HGC 'Joker' is one of the most floriferous lenten roses we've ever grown with well over 100 flowers per clump. Helleborus 'Joker' forms a 10" tall x 18" wide clump of dark evergreen foliage topped, starting in late February (NC), with masses of large creamy flowers with pink flushed backs..
Helleborus × ericsmithii HGC Malory = 'Coseh 780' (PBR)
Helleborus × ericsmithii HGC Marlon Cream = 'Coseh 980' (PBR)
Helleborus × ericsmithii HGC Monte Cristo = 'Coseh 860' (PBR)
Helleborus × ericsmithii HGC Shooting Star = 'Coseh 790' (PBR)
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'HGC Silvermoon' (PBR)
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Hypese 6'
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Maestro'
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Pink Beauty' (PBR)
Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Pirouette' A named selection that has white blooms fading to a soft dusky pink. Good vigorous growth, early to flower and very prolific. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Ruby Glow' A very beautiful hardy hybrid, forming an evergreen bushy plant with attractive pink buds that open to mid pink flowers that slowly deepen to green and deep pink tones in late winter-early spring. It has bluish-green foliage with silvery veins. 35cm (15ins)
Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Silver Moon' A fine silver-leaved selection. Large ivory white flowers, flushed pinkish-bronze or green, deepening as they mature. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Snow Love' (PBR)
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Sunmarble' (v)
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Winter Darling' (PBR)
Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Winter Moonbeam' A named selection that has white blooms fading to a soft dusky-pink. Good vigorous growth, early to flower and very prolific. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Winter Sunshine' (PBR)
Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Walberton's Ivory Prince' ‘Ivory Prince‘ is bred by David Tristram, son of Major Guy Tristan who named Helleborus ‘niger ‘Potters Wheel’ in 1995 at his Walberton Nursery in England. The parents are according to the plant patent unknown but are hybrids of the species niger, x nigercors, and x ericsmithii. The legal cultivar name is ‘Walhelivor’.This superb introduction has a profusion of ivory white flowers produced early in the season. Attractive marbled foliage. 35cm (15ins).
Interspecies hybrids (continued)
Interspecies hybrids (All are sterile and do not produce viable seed)
Helleborus x lemonnierae (H. niger x H. x hybridus) An interesting hybrid between H. niger and H. x hybridus having large flowers and evergreen foliage. Grows best in rich, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Several named clones are available from Ashwood Nurseries.
Helleborus x nigercors AGM (Helleborus niger and Helleborus argutifolius) First exhibited 1931 JE H Stooke) (Flowers Caulescent and Aculescent) (Propagate by division in autumn or micropropagation) A very beautiful hybrid and an excellent evergreen, garden plant. Large ivory, flattish flowers with just a hint of green. The long-lasting clusters are borne in such profusion that you may need to trim off a few leaves to see all the flowers. Prefers a sunny position in a fairly rich soil, which is moist but free-draining. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus x nigercors ‘Alabaster’ Raised at Washfield Nurseries using H. n. ‘Potters Wheel’ as seed parent
Helleborus × nigercors 'Alexia'
Helleborus x nigercors ‘Blackthorn Strain’ A seed strain raised each year with flowers either pure white or green and white.
Helleborus x nigercors 'Candy Love' A named selection with masses of creamy-white flowers held above the compact greyish-green foliage. Long flowering from December to March. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus × nigercors 'Domingo' (PBR)
Helleborus × nigercors double-flowered (d)
Helleborus × nigercors 'Emma' (PBR)
Helleborus × nigercors 'Francesco' (PBR)
Helleborus × nigercors 'Guapa' (PBR)
Helleborus × nigercors 'HGC Green Corsican'
Helleborus × nigercors HGC 'Ice Breaker Fancy' = 'Coseh 820'
Helleborus × nigercors HGC Ice Breaker Max = 'Coseh 750' (PBR)
Helleborus × nigercors HGC Ice Breaker Pico = 'Coseh 840'
Helleborus × nigercors HGC Ice Breaker Prelude = 'Coseh 830' (PBR)
Helleborus × nigercors HGC Karina Green = 'Coseh 760'
Helleborus × nigercors 'Honeyhill Joy
Helleborus × nigercors 'Mapada' (PBR)
Helleborus × nigercors 'Morning's Pride' (PBR)
Helleborus × nigercors 'Nikita' (PBR)
Helleborus × nigercors 'Pink Beauty'
Helleborus x nigercors 'Snow Love' A named selection with a profusion of creamy-pink blooms fading to chocolate above green foliage that is red veined. Long flowering from December to March. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus × nigercors 'Valentine Green'
Helleborus × nigercors 'Vulcan Beauty'
Helleborus × nigercors 'Winter Passion' (PBR)
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) A new hybrid group of beautiful evergreen inspecies hybrid Hellebores bred by Rodney Davey and the result of a 12 year breeding programme in Devon. Through licensing there are many named clones available but the following are regarded by some as the best and are of the breeders work.
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) 'Anna's Red' A new evergreen inter-species hybrid bearing a profusion of red flowers from February to April. In spring marbled foliage emerges, flushed pink when young. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Charmer = 'Epb 21'
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Cheryl's Shine = 'Epb 31'
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Dana's Dulcet = 'Epb 30'
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) 'Dorothy's Dawn' (Frostkiss Series)
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Molly's White = 'Epbrd01' (PBR)
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Moondance = 'Epb 20'
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Pippa's Purple = 'Rd09'
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Reanna's Ruby = 'Epb 32'
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Sally's Shell = 'Epb 12' (Frostkiss Series)
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) 'Penny's Pink' A new evergreen inter-species hybrid bearing a profusion of pink flowers from February to April. In spring marbled foliage emerges, flushed pink when young. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus x 'Snow White' (Helleborus niger x Helleborus orientalis) A stunning free-flowering hybrid producing a profusion of star-shaped ivory white flowers over a very long period. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus × sahinii
Helleborus × sahinii 'Winterbells' (PBR)
Helleborus x sternii Helleborus argutifolius and H. lividus of the Chenopus section can be crossed either way to give H. x sternii, named after Sir Fredrick Stern in whose garden it originated. It has given rise to many desirable strains. It must be remembered that H. lividus is not very hardy while H. argutifolius only slightly hardier coming from Crete and Corsica respectively.
Helleborus × sternii Aberconwy strain
Helleborus × sternii Ashfield strain
Helleborus Helleborus × sternii 'Ashwood Silver'
Helleborus x sternii Ashwood Strain Ashwood’s beautiful improved strain has been produced after several years of reselection and breeding. Lovely greyish-green marbled leaves are conspicuously toothed. The small green cup-shaped flowers are flushed-pink. A slightly tender plant, best in a sheltered, sunny, well-drained position. We find it performs best under the canopy of a needle conifer e.g. pine or cedar. 30-40cm (12-15ins).
Helleborus s sternii ‘Ashwood platinum Strain This very beautiful strain has been produced at Ashwood Nurseries after many years of selection and reselection and breeding. Lovely lightish green marbled evergreen leaves that are conspicuously toothed. The samm green cup shaped flowers are flushed pink. A slightly tender plant that is best in a sheltered position. At the Nurseries this plant performs best under a canopy of a needle conifer such as a pine or cedar.
Helleborus x sternii Beatrice Le Blanc Strain An Ashwood introduction that flourishes in John’s garden underneath a large cedar.Excellent vigorous form with purple stems and pewter foliage. 45cm (18ins).
Helleborus × sternii Blackthorn Group
Helleborus × sternii Blackthorn dwarf strain
Helleborus × sternii Boughton Group
Helleborus x sternii Boughton Beauty Strain Another compact strain with fine slate-grey foliage, stained red underneath. Dark red stems, and flowers flushed with purplish-pink. 45cm (18ins).
Helleborus x sternii ’Bulmers Blush’ Narrow marbled leaves red stems and chartreuse flowers aging to dusky pink, raised by Mrs Bulmer from seedlings sold at plant fair and introduced by Ashwood Nurseries
Helleborus × sternii Cally strain
Helleborus × sternii dwarf
Helleborus × sternii 'Fire and Ice' (v)
Helleborus x sternii ‘Honeyhill Joy’ Raised by Jim & Audrey Metcalfe in Oregon, micro propagated by Terra Nova for commercial release a most striking plant with good vigour. Grey green leaves and numerous cream blooms
Helleborus × sternii 'Hot Flash'
Helleborus × sternii 'Joy's Purple'
Helleborus x sternii pewter-flowered
Helleborus x sternii 'Silver Dollar' Quite outstanding with bright silver serrated leaves and small green cup-shaped flowers flushed with pink. 35cm (15ins).
Helleborus × sternii 'Silver Shadow' (PBR)
Helleborus × sternii 'Tom'
Helleborus × sternii 'Wilgenbroek'
Helleborus x 'Walberton's Rosemary' (Helleborus niger x Helleborus orientalis) A first-rate introduction very free-flowering, producing a profusion of star-shaped pink flowers over a very long period. 35cm (15ins).
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Howard regularly gives talks and lectures on Hellebores throughout the country, as well as leading Hellebore tours around Ashwood Nurseries Hellebore growing areas.
The information given in this Fact Sheet is provided in good faith. It is however of necessity general information and advice on the topic. Howard Drury will not be under any liability in respect of the provision of such advice and information, and you are strongly advised to seek independent advice on any particular gardening problems or queries you may have, preferably from experts who can (when appropriate) inspect the problem before providing advice.
© 2020. This material has been produced by Howard Drury and must not be reproduced in part or full without the written consent of Howard Drury, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B13 0SJ.
JHD/26/02/2022
