DEEP BLACK CHRISTMAS ROSE Helleborus orientalis
Helleborus are absolutely stunning perennial flowers that are widely admired! Flowers begin to bloom as the snow is receding, and continue through spring creating a magnificent display. The foliage is dark green, shiny, and evergreen even in the coldest climates. Helleborus can be best appreciated when planted near the front of the perennial border. We have been growing these plants for a number of years in our zone 4 gardens, and they are always a welcomed sight of elegant color!
Type: Perennial, evergreen foliage
Height: 18", 45 cm
Location: Part or full
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Spring, as snow is melting
Seed size: Hellerborus seeds are medium to large, about 4mm long, and 2mm wide, and vary slightly in size. The seeds for this Deep Black Helleborus are some of the larger Helleborus seeds.
Seeds per pack: 3
Note: This plant species is known to have toxicity. The ingestion of these seeds or this plant can cause serious illness or death. The juice or sap of these seeds or this plant may cause a skin rash or irritation.
Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.
If you are planting your seeds in late winter or spring, these seeds can be planted outdoors while it is still cool out (once the ground is workable and unfrozen), to receive the cold period naturally in the garden.~
