Helleborus hybridus ViV Antonella

Antonella is a variety of Oriental Hellebore with particularly original winter flowering. Blooming from January for several weeks, this Lenten Rose produces single flowers, each petal displaying a dark purple spot bordered by white. This surprising corolla is further enhanced by a yellow stamen heart. These contrasting flowers bring joy to the garden at a time of year when flowers are truly rare. This evergreen perennial forms a dense clump of about fifty centimetres in all directions. It can be grown in a large pot to decorate a balcony, or in the ground in the garden where it will require a shaded exposure, and a neutral to lime soil. It tolerates some acidity. It is hardy enough to be planted in virtually all regions.

Hellebore Antonella is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which includes about sixty genera and around 2500 species. Many are poisonous, containing substances which are toxic if ingested - a natural protection to prevent them from being grazed by herbivores. Despite this, they are valuable plants in the garden, as many genera are highly ornamental thanks to their remarkable flowering, such as Anemones, Buttercups, Trollius, Aconites, and many others including Clematis.  Helleborus orientalis is native to Greece, Turkey, and the central and eastern Caucasus. It is a perennial plant that hybridizes very easily with other species to produce varied colours and forms, so much so that these hybrids are rarely given variety names, but are distinguished by their shape and colour characteristics. Hybrid Hellebores are hardy plants that can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F), naturally growing in forests, thickets, and clearings up to 2,000 m (7ft) altitude.

Antonella is a variety distributed by a Belgian company specialising in the selection and in vitro multiplication of Hellebores. This method of propagation ensures the perfect transmission of genes and the stability of the varieties, which are therefore all perfectly identified by their name. Antonella is part of a large collection of hybrids selected for their compactness and floribundity. This variety forms a clump about 40 cm (16in) high and wide, particularly well suited for pot cultivation on your balcony or terrace where it will give you a winter spectacle of great beauty. The leaves are evergreen in winter and only live for 8 months, regularly replaced by new leaves. Their sculptural shape is particularly decorative throughout the year.
Antonella blooms early in the year and produces flowers for several weeks, providing a precious spectacle during these generally dark days. Its petals form a simple, somewhat irregular corolla, with a centre illuminated by long yellow stamens. The white petals are spotted with dark purple dots in their centre. Unlike other plant genera, this interplay of colours is rare in Hellebores, making Antonella truly unique. As with most Hellebore varieties, these corollas bloom vertically, or even slightly inclined downwards, allowing water to slide off like an umbrella to prevent accumulation in the centre that could cause rotting. Hellebore does not like to be moved once established, with young shoots sometimes taking time to flower. Therefore, be sure to choose their location carefully.
This perennial adapts to neutral to moderately chalky (lime) soils, and even slightly acidic ones, preferably rich and retaining some moisture, although a well-established plant can tolerate dry conditions. Make sure that the soil is well-drained, as Hellebores do not appreciate excess water in winter. It will be perfectly at home under a leafy tree, which allows winter sun to pass through but protects it from the intense summer sun. Its compact, wider than tall habit makes it a superb plant for decorating a balcony or terrace in a pot.

Lenten Roses are precious allies for brightening up the dark days of winter. Among them, Antonella is a particularly choice subject with its brightly coloured flowers in January and February. You can associate them with other Hellebores with autumn flowering to enjoy flowers during the least abundant half of the year. Mix them with variegated evergreen shrubs to create a particularly decorative winter scene. The small Euonymus japonicus Pierrolino, a dwarf spindle tree with green leaves speckled with white, will be perfect for this purpose, or its cousin, the classic but always appreciated Euonymus fortunei Emerald 'n gold, whose predominantly yellow foliage complements Antonella's dark green. Also consider the decorative bark of certain trees or shrubs, such as Rubus thibetanus Silver Fern, an ornamental bramble with white stems that will provide a quality background for your Hellebores.