Online Catalog of Mail Order Perennials, Roses, Trees and Shrubs for American Gardens Since 1916.

Welcome to the Lady series, a German-bred Hellebore with superior sun tolerance and large, strikingly lovely solid-color blooms. Lacking the freckles and washes of most other H. orientalis, these saturated hues introduce a jewel-like look to the Hellebore display. Just as long-lived, adaptable, and long-blooming as others, the Ladies have all the advantages of this evergreen shade lover plus a distinctive brand-new look.

The blooms measure 2 to 3 inches wide, with softly rippled, overlapping petals absolutely drenched in color. 'Red Lady' is a ruby-infused shade combining hints of purple and blue, very distinctive. And the frilly yellow center stands out dramatically from this rich color! It makes the perfect companion to its colorful siblings White, Blue, and Pink Lady (and the quartet is available as an economical collection). The flowers begin opening in late winter and continue through mid-spring, often seeing the garden through Easter. Let them dry on the plant to a marvelous papery consistency, their elegantly posed petals keeping their shape all the while. Or cut them fresh and float them in a bowl of water for a pleasant alternative to the usual upright bouquet.

The Lady Hellebores reach about 14 inches high and 18 inches wide -- very uniform across the series, with none towering over nor shrinking below the others. The foliage is dark green, evergreen, and attractive, free from nibbling pests and destructive diseases. These plants tolerate much more sun than most other H. orientalis hybrids, which makes them useful in transitional areas between sun and shade, as well as in the front of a shady border, where more light often falls.

Gisela Schmiemann of Cologne bred the Lady series, so as you might expect, they are exceptionally cold hardy as well as content in heat, humidity, and even (once established) drought. This is a truly carefree perennial, needing no attention to thrive and bloom for many years. Please add these dramatic and beautiful varieties to your shade border this season! Zones 4-9.