Helleborus HGC Leila

Leila is part of a collection of hybrid hellebores with great ornamental value, obtained by cross-breeding between the Christmas Rose and another species of Hellebore. This perennial offers long-lasting flowering, from mid-November to spring. Beautiful flowers of deep burgundy red, enhanced by a heart of yellow stamens stand tall, clearly visible above the foliage. The dark green, evergreen leaves are highly cut, giving them an interesting appeal, forming a compact tuft which is decorative all year round. This hardy Hellebore will grow well in the garden, in a shaded bed with moist soil, or on a balcony or terrace where it will make a superb potted plant.

Hellebore is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which includes about sixty genera and around 2500 species. Many of them are poisonous and contain substances which are toxic if ingested, a natural defence mechanism to prevent them from being grazed by herbivores. The Helleborus genus includes about twenty species, some of which have been cross-bred to create new plants. Helleborus x lemperii is a hybrid (hence the x between the genus and species names) obtained by fertilization between H. niger, the Christmas Rose, and H. x hybridus, a cross that was considered impossible a few years ago. German company Heuger, located in Glandorf, Lower Saxony, distinguished itself by launching the HGC range (Helleborus Gold Collection), characterized by good cold resistance, particularly large flowers carried by strong stems, an extended flowering period and a good ability to be grown in pots.

All these characteristics can be found in Leila, which will delight lovers of dark and elegant flowers. The large single flowers with 5 petals are deep burgundy red, enhanced by the yellow stamens that adorn the heart of the wide corolla. The first flowers appear from mid-November and the floral buds continue to appear until  March-April. They are stunning in the garden and will also make beautiful winter bouquets. The flowers rise above the dark foliage, which serves as a backdrop, and are clearly visible from a distance. The large floral corollas open vertically, as with most Hellebore varieties. They can even slightly tilt downwards, allowing water to slide off like an umbrella, preventing accumulation in the heart that could cause rot. The foliage consists of palmate, slightly toothed, dark green and glossy evergreen basal leaves which actually live for only 8 months and are regularly replaced by new leaves. Their sculptural shape is particularly decorative throughout the year, in a compact clump about 45 cm (18in) tall and wide.

Hellebore Leila, delightful in the garden, is well-suited for container cultivation to enhance terraces and balconies. This perennial will create a superb potted plant, and you can also plant it in a container together with other evergreens: dwarf conifers, small-leaved Ivies like Hedera helix Kolibri, a dwarf variety with variegated cream foliage... When planted in the ground in the garden, Hellebore does not like to be moved once established, with young plants sometimes taking time to flower. It will thrive under a leafy tree, which will allow winter sunlight to pass through but protect it from intense summer sun, which is too harsh. You can also plant it in a more shaded area. Aconitum Purple Sparrow with its beautiful purple flowers in summer will be happy in the same bed as the Hellebores, sharing their need for coolness and shade. Creeping Bugle, or Ajuga, is a perfect ground cover available in numerous varieties with green, purple, yellow or variegated foliage. To add a touch of distinction, the sophisticated and charming flowers of Columbines will beautifully complete your bed.