Plant of the Week
There are many things to love about hellebores (Helleborus). Boasting one of the longest bloom times of any perennial (February through April!), these deer-resistant evergreens bloom in the shade and sun. Hellebore varieties are abundant and these cheerful flower come in a wide variety of colors including dark purple, white, pink, striped, and yellow. Because they are slow-growing, hellebores are a pricier perennial. Don’t be discouraged, though. They are prolific self-sowers. Get your hands on just one plant, let it go to seed, and watch as it populates your garden for free!
Hellebore do not make great cut flowers in early spring. When you cut them and bring them in, they get the flops after sometimes just hours. Later in spring when the flowers have begun to for seed heads, they are much better behaved in your vase, so just be patient.
Curious about the ‘stinking hellebore’ or Helleborus foetidus? See Episode 54 of Into the Garden with Leslie.
I wish I kept track of my hellebore cultivar names. This one has a blush pink edge.
I love the variegated foliage almost as much as the flowers on this one.
Such a cheerful spring green!
Guest
This week, I talk contractor shopping with Matt Berry, general manager at Dos Amigos Landscaping. A natural problem-solver and lover of the outdoors, Matt is an expert hard-scaper known for his hands-on creativity. Dos Amigos Landscaping offers everything from mowing and mulching to hardscape installs and turf programs. I asked Matt for advice on hiring a landscape contractor. Tune in to find out Matt’s takeaways.
Playlist of February Garden Chores (even though it’s really play)
Get out there and prune!
Hellebore pruning: remove any tatty foliage with hand-pruners so you can enjoy the fresh flower
Take care when pruning spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas. Try pruning the interior and bottom of the plant (where the flowers can’t be enjoyed), to promote air circulation.
If your azalea is looking worse for wear, consider rejuvenation pruning. A hard cutback can benefit your plant for years to come, even though you will miss out of this year’s blooms
Dead tree limbs are dangerous! Call in a certified arborist to take a look at your trees.
To Listen
“Winter Garden,” by Harold Budd, Robin Guthrie & Eraldo Bernocchi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7FiYdhlnxI
Up Next
Join me next week for my chat with Carol Carter on native plants!