Helleborus HGC Linda

Helleborus HGC Linda is a hybrid Christmas Rose that enchants in winter with long-lasting flowering, from November to spring. This compact perennial develops beautiful dark green, very finely cut, evergreen foliage which highlights the large, bright yellowish cream flowers on sturdy stems. This robust and very hardy perennial can be grown in borders, under shrubs, in mixed borders and pots. Easy to grow in all regions, even in heavy and limestone soils, it thrives in shade or non-scorching sun. Its flowers are beautiful in winter bouquets.

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

Hellebore Linda stands out for its long-lasting flowering. The first flowers appear as early as November and the flower buds continue to develop until spring, in March-April. Large flowers, up to 10 cm (4in) in diameter, then unfold their bright yellowish cream colour petals under the grey winter sky. These wide petals overlap to form a cup-shaped corolla with a green heart, while a bunch of slightly darker yellow stamens creates a perfect harmony of colours. These flowers are very visible rising above the foliage, enhanced by the darker background of the leaves. They bloom vertically, as with most Hellebores, and can even slightly tilt downwards, allowing water to slide off like an umbrella and prevent accumulation in the centre 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 architectural shape is particularly decorative throughout the year. Hellebore does not like to be moved once established, with young plants sometimes taking time to flower, so choose its location carefully when planting and be careful not to dig nearby as this could damage the roots. It is resistant to temperatures as low as -23°C and fairly easy to grow. Its compact shape, as wide as it is tall (up to 45-50 cm (18-20in) in all directions), means it will make a superb flowering pot to decorate a balcony or terrace. You can also plant it in a large container with dwarf conifers, decorative grasses or other ornamental evergreen plants.

Hellebores have always been favourite plants for enthusiasts of year-round flowering gardens, and the HGC collection further magnifies their qualities. Linda's creamy yellow colour will blend well with most other flower colours, whether it is the vibrant pink of Cyclamen coum, another winter star in shady areas, or the reds and purples of other hellebores. In neutral soil, you can add volume to your winter bed by planting Hamamelis intermedia Diane in the background, a superb Witch Hazel with filamentous red flowers in the heart of winter. Also consider variegated evergreen foliage, which the genus Aucuba can offer, sometimes with the bonus of very decorative red fruits. Another often overlooked option is decorative bark, which is unparalleled in a winter garden when leaves have faded. Prunus serrula, or Tibetan Cherry, is sublime with its mahogany hue, even more beautiful when shiny from the rain.