Plant Something BC Contest Deadline!

It's your last chance to enter the Plant Something BC contest. Here's how to enter:
Follow or Like PlantSomethingBC on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
Plant your favourite bee forage plant or have a certified landscaper plant them for you
Capture your gardening experience and show us what Bee forage plants mean to you on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #bcplants
You could win a $250 grand gardening prize!

What You Could Win!

For every video or picture that you post with the #bcplants hashtag you are qualified to win a wheelbarrow full of goodies grand prize worth $250
Contest deadline is June 17th, 2017!
 

With summer just around the corner, now is a great time to add a touch of the tropics to your garden or patio. While many of these plants are tender or marginally hardy, most can survive a mild winter with just a little bit of protection. Others should be treated as annuals, or brought indoors if you want to keep them year after year. Here are some of my favourite plants for creating a tropical look and feel in the garden.

Windmill Palm Tree

Trachycarpus fortunei

The windmill palm is one of the only palm trees hardy in our Zone 7 climate. A slender, tree-like trunk is covered in dark hairy fibers. Fan like, evergreen palm fronds emerge from the top of the trunk to create a wonderful tropical appearance. Great accent plant or specimen for the yard, the hot tub or the pool! While usually hardy, protect it in winter from cold, winds, snow and ice. Moderate grower, 25 to 30 ft. tall with a compact 8 to 10 ft. wide crown. Best in full sun and regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. Evergreen. Hardy in zones 7-11.

Monkey Puzzle Tree

Araucaria araucana

This unique tree is native to South America and is a wonderful specimen tree. It’s name comes from the fact that it is the only tree a Monkey can’t climb! Foliage is evergreen, sharp and pointy. Plant this one where it can be seen but not touched! Well suited for coastal planting sites in the full sun. Can grow to 75ft, but extremely slow growing, it may be generations before it reaches that height!

Hardy Fibre Banana

Musa basjoo

Musa basjoo is the most hardy variety of the banana plants. If you want even a chance of the plant surviving in our climate, this is the one to choose. Large tropical looking leaves emerge from a central stalk. A fast grower, with huge leaves that may reach 2 feet wide and 6 feet long. Produces attractive golden cream flowers and small, somewhat seedy fruit. Excellent for use in borders, containers or near a pool. Best grown in full sun with regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. Loves organic soils and benefits from high nitrogen fertilizers. Protect from strong winds that can damage the leaves. Hardy in zones 7-11. Winter will usually kill off the mother plant, but if you can protect the roots, new baby banana plants will emerge from the soil.

Cherie Tropical Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Cherie’

Tropical Hibiscus are the warmth loving cousins of the more hardy Rose of Sharon that blooms and survives here in Vancouver. Cherie is orange-red flowering form with large, tropical-looking, summer-blooming flowers. The plant itself is deciduous, if it survives the winter, and is moderate growing up to 6-8ft tall and 3-4ft wide. It’s best planted in full sun with regular watering. Hardy in zones 10-11

Tropicanna Canna Lily

Canna var ‘Phasion’

Canna Tropicanna is a tropical perennial with tall stems crowned by large bright orange flower heads blooming in summer. Exotic foliage adds interest, with emerging bright burgundy leaves maturing with stripes of red, pink, yellow, and green. This dramatic specimen provides bold color and lush texture to garden beds, or as a featured container specimen. Herbaceous perennial. Upright stalks quickly reach 5 ft. tall, forming clumps 3 to 4 ft. wide. Best grown in full sun. Needs regular watering - best with evenly moist soil. Water regularly during first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. In mild winter areas leave in-ground for spring regrowth. In cold winter areas dig and store bulb in a cool dry place. Hardy in zones 7-11

Black Pantha Lily of the Nile

Agapanthus orientalis ‘Black Pantha’

Black Pantha Lily of the Nile is a tender perennial with round clusters of dark blue, trumpet shaped flowers that appear on a 3ft stalk above the gray-green foliage. Blooms in late spring to summer. Great cut flower too! This plant can reach 3ft tall and 2ft wide and is great for mixed borders, containers and mass plantings. Best for sun to part sun in moist, fertile well drained soil. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Performs better with a yearly application of fertilizer in Spring. Hardy in zones 7-11

Frost Proof Gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof'

Frostproof is a Gardenia with a more upright habit, supporting shiny, dark green leaves and fragrant, white 2- to 3-inch wide flowers make this a fine hedge or foundation plant that thrives with more direct sun than other varieties. Flower buds resist late spring frosts without damage. Slow growing to 5 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide. Evergreen in warmer climates. Best in full to part sun. Hardy in zones 7-11

Goldfinger Libertia

Libertia ixiodes ‘Goldfinger’

Also known as New Zealand Iris, this alternative to Phormium offers narrow, vibrant orange-gold evergreen foliage with a similar upright spiky habit. It’s small size and vertical form make Libertia ideal for borders and containers. White, star-like flowers mature to ornamental seed pods. Best grown in full to part sun. Hardy in zones 7-10

Star Jasmine

Trachelospermum jasminoides

Star Jasmine is a great one for adding vertical interest. This semi-evergreen climbing vine is known for its deliciously perfumed spring and summer-blooming white flowers. Best in full sun and regular watering. Its twining stems can grow 18-20ft. Hardy to zone 8, but is fairly reliable even in our colder zone 7 climate.

Lavender Lady Passionflower Vine

Passiflora x ‘Lavender Lady’

Possibly one of the most beautiful, complex flowers we have ever seen. Lavender Lady Passion Flower is a semi-evergreen to deciduous vine with intriguing lavender to purple showy flowers that bloom in summer through fall. Its fast growing and vigorous, reaching 15-20ft long. Best in full sun and winter protection. Water regularly when top inches of soil are dry. Officially its hardy in zones 9-11, but we have seen it survive in the Pacific Northwest in protected areas and with milder winters.

Sizzling Pink Fringe Flower

Loropetalum chinense 'Sizzling Pink'

Sizzling Pink Fringe Flower produces Clusters of rich, pink fringed flowers that repeat throughout the year. Showy new growth is deep burgundy maintaining the purple tinged foliage as it matures. Use as a colorful accent in borders and containers. Best in full to part sun. Water regularly, when top 3 in. of soil is dry. Evergreen. Reaches 4 to 6 ft. tall, 4 to 5 ft. wide. Hardy in zones 7-9

King Tut Egyptian Papyrus

Cyperus papyrus ‘King Tut’

King Tut Papyrus is an upright growing, graceful grass is grown for its attractive looking foliage. Feathery heads on green stalks create a striking effect for water gardens or damp areas. Can grow 4-6ft tall. Its best planted in the full sun either in or very near water. Also wonderful when used in containers. Treat this one as an annual as it will not survive our winters. Hardy in zones 9-11.

Royal Hawaiian Black Coral Elephant Ear

Colocasia esculenta 'Black Coral'

The Royal Hawaiian Black Coral Elephant Ear, or Colocasia produces large striking, glossy, jet-black foliage that contrasts spectacularly with bright-colored plants. Spreads freely in rich, wet soils; more slowly in dry, clay soil. Adds bold color and tropical flair to any garden. Best in full to part sun. Highly effective at the edge of a pond or water garden. Performs in containers. Herbaceous perennial. Reaches 3 to 3½ ft. tall and wide. Hardy in zones 8 - 10

Giant Rhubarb

Gunnera manicata

This amazing looking plant produces giant leaves from the base of the plant to create a dramatic striking display. Leaves can be 1-2ft in diameter. Some call it the Dinosaur Plant because of its huge leaves. Prefers full to part sun and moist, if not wet soil. Blooms June through August. Perennial, hardy in zones 5-7. Not edible.

Hope you enjoyed this selection of outdoor tropicals. As always, please call ahead to confirm availability as our selection is always changing!

If you ask people what their favourite summertime berry is… odds are they will say Strawberry. These delightful tasty berries are easy to grow and are small enough that they can be grown in pots, gardens or even hanging baskets. In this short article, we’ll introduce you to Strawberries and some of the many varieties available at Art’s Nursery.

Strawberries belong to the Fragraria genus of plants and are one of the most popular fruits for fresh eating, cooking, jams, jellies and desserts. They grow to about 6 inches high and have semi-evergreen leaves comprised of three leaflets with serrated edges.

Types of Strawberries

There are three different groups of Strawberries:

• June Bearing Strawberries
• Ever Bearing Strawberries
• Alpine/Wild Strawberries

June-Bearing Strawberries

June Bearing Strawberries are also called Spring Bearing varieties. They respond to increasing amount of daylight and shortening nights by producing flowers and setting a large heavy crop of berries in late spring to early summer depending on your location. June Bearing varieties tend to be much sweeter than other varieties. They may also produce a small crop in the fall when days begin to shorten and nights get longer. These types tend to send out more runners than do ever-bearing varieties.

Ever-Bearing Strawberries

Ever bearing Strawberries, also called “Day Neutral” varieties, produce a smaller, steady stream of berries in Summer through to the Fall. As long as temperatures are between 35-85F (basically above freezing and below 30C), they will continue to produce flowers and fruit. Ever bearing varieties tend to produce the most in the first year. Their disadvantage is that they don’t ripen as many fruits at one time and while they may be juicier, they may not be as sweet as June-Bearing types.

Alpine Strawberries (Fragraria vesca)

Alpine Strawberries, Fragraria vesca, is also called Fraise de Bois. These plants tend to produce much smaller berries, but are packed with incredible flavor. They are day-neutral and produce most heavily in late summer. Some varieties are available as seed or ornamental types may be sold as groundcovers. Alpine strawberries do not normally produce runners, but will self-seed. Generally speaking, Alpines are easier to grow and need less fertile soil and moisture than do other types of strawberries.

Growing Strawberries

Strawberries need a location with full sun, but most do not do well in hot, dry conditions. Excessive heat and dryness also encourages Spider Mites. Strawberries thrive in very rich, moist, but well drained soil. Elevated, well drained loam or sandy loam is preferable. Amend the soil with well rotted manure or compost for added benefit.

Air circulation is also important. Give plants more space between plantings and the better they will do. 12-24 inches between plants is ideal.

Fertilizing Strawberries

All Strawberries benefit from a healthy application of bonemeal at planting time. For June Bearing varieties, apply a balanced all purpose or fruit tree/berry food a few weeks after planting, but before flower and berries begin to form. For Ever-bearing types, fertilize more often up until mid-summer to encourage a steady stream of fruit. We’ve seen lots of good results from using Kelp as a foliar feed throughout the season.

Strawberry Care

Strawberries are short lived. They decline in production after 3-4 years. For a continuous crop, plant a few new ones every year and remove old ones from your garden. Most varieties will renew themselves on their own by sending out long thin “runners” that will root and create new strawberry plants for you. Just sever the stem once the new plants are rooted, and enjoy them in place, or dig and re-locate them.

June bearing varieties also benefit from pinching first year blooms to ensure a better crop in the second year.

As mentioned, strawberries need a fair amount of moisture, about an inch a week is common. However, avoid getting the leaves wet as this can lead to mold and disease. Mold is one of the most common problems facing strawberry growers. Good hygiene is the key to prevention. Provide good air circulation, avoid excess moisture on the leaves and remove any overripe or moldy fruits as soon as you can.

Winter Strawberry Care

In the Fall, tidy up the area and remove old leaves to prevent pests and disease. Discard excess or unwanted runners. Cover your strawberry plants with straw just before frost. This helps prevent injury from low temperatures. Remove the mulch in Spring as growth begins and the chances of frost have declined.

Common Strawberry Varieties

June Bearing Varieties

All Star

AllStar Strawberries produce a very large, light orange to red berry with sweet red flesh. It’s a large, vigorous plant that can produce many runners. Mid-Season. Fruit is extra juicy and can be as large as plums.

Cavendish

Cavendish strawberry delivers tremendous yields and many runners. Berries are very large and dark red in colour. Flavour is good. Originally from Nova Scotia. Long fruiting season.

Fort Laramie

This June and Fall producing strawberry is known for its periodic production through the growing season. Exceptionally aromatic berries are large, sweet and have an excellent flavor. Yields are heavy at times

Honeoye

This variety features dark green leaves and produces many runners. Very productive and vigorous, its berries are bright red, slightly tart and very large. Long picking season

Kent

Kent Strawberry is a mid-season, high yielding variety with large berries and excellent flavor. A vigorous grower that produces berries great for fresh eating

Quinault

Quinault Strawberry features medium sized berries with good flavor that are periodically produced throughout the growing season. Fruits can appear as early as 4-5 weeks after planting.

Totem

Totem Strawberry is a mid-season produces of a heavy crop of large berries with a good, rich flavor. One of the most popular varieties for the Pacific Northwest

Ever Bearing Strawberry Varieties

Albion

Albion is one of the best varieties for U-Pick fields. Fruits emerge from May through October and deliver a heavy yield of medium sized berries with excellent flavor

EverSweet

EverSweet strawberries are exceptionally sweet and flavourful. Yields are good and the berries very large. A good heat resistant plant.

Hecker

A lesser known variety amongst home gardeners that is better suited for cooler climates. Delivers a very heavy yield of medium sized berries with excellent flavor.

Seascape

Seascape is a medium sized strawberry that is both vigorous and high yielding. Berries are very large, bright red, firm and sweet. Harvest from early summer through fall. Peak fruiting occurs between August and Early September. Best flavor when grown with enough hear.

Tristar

Tristar is a reliable heavy cropper with medium sized, but sweet berries. Great for fresh eating. Harvest from summer through fall. Dislikes excessive summer heat, but can produce a large fall crop.

How To Buy Strawberry Plants

You buy strawberry plants in a number of ways. In early spring, strawberry runners, or small roots are available in packs of 1o or 25 depending on the variety. This is a good, inexpensive way to start growing strawberries. If you want some of the guesswork removed, you can purchase small starter plants, usually in 4 inch pots by April. Larger plants are usually available year-round in our small fruit section at Arts Nursery. Please call ahead if you are looking for a specific variety as the selection is always changing depending on availability and season.

Want to Know More?

Join April 1, 2017 for our Root To Fruit, How to Grow Edibles At Home event. This casual event happens from 11am-3:00pm with Q&A and sessions on seeding, growing herbs and veg, small fruits and berries as well as planting and caring for fruit trees. Hope to see you there!

Is it possible that Christmas comes again in March? Every year, new summer blooming bulb varieties are introduced in March. This year's lineup includes a number of gorgeous Dahlias, Lilies and a number of other treasures like Cobra Lilies, Canna Lilies and Daylilies. Enjoy!

Canadian Celebration Dahlia

Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday this summer by growing Canadian Celebration (Fire and Ice) Dahlia. It promises continuous flowers July through October. It’s a gorgeous and vibrant semi-double dahlia with true red and white petals surrounding a striking golden yellow centre that lends a friendly daisy-like appearance. Simply fun and eye-catching, this dahlia is ready to bring on the colour and patriotic spirit wherever it is grown. Whether your garden is large or small, this dahlia is ideal for borders, beds, and containers on balconies and patios. Easy to grow in well-draining soil and full sun, Canadian Celebration Dahlia reaches 40 cm (16”) in height. Flowers are 8-10 cm (3-4”) across, and the more you cut them for bouquets the more they’ll bloom.

Painted Madame Dahlia

The Painted Madame dahlia has light orange petals with speckled and striped red painted on like details. With its many layered petals and light green stem, this flower brings a vibrant and unique aspect to your garden. This bulb flowers July to October and grows 40-44 inches high. This exotic flower originating from Mexico and Guatemala’s Inca kings are one of the easiest to grow. It provides a wonderful source for cut flowers in mid-summer until the first frost.

Wizard of Oz - Pompom Dahlia

The Wizard of Oz Dahlia is a pompom like flower head with ball-shaped blooms that have an ombre-like tone under the petals. This textured and layered flower grows 3 inches wide and flowers mid-late summer. They enjoy full sun and are wonderful, long lasting cut flowers. This flower is a perfect add to your garden when looking for a pop of fun and liveliness.

Blackberry Ripple Giant- Dinnerplate Cactus Dahlia

The Blackberry Ripple Cactus Dahlia usually blooms in mid/late summer to early fall. Each bloom is uniquely colored typically pink or purple and has narrowly pointed petals which give it a cactus spidery look. This flower needs full sun and they are susceptible to the cold so be careful not to plant them too early and be sure to dig them up before the frost comes. The flower originates from Guatemala and Mexico. Cactus Dahlia’s can grow to 44 inches (110cm) tall.

Myrtle’s Folly - Giant Dinnerplate Dahlia

The Myrth’s Folly Dahlia is an impressive flower. Huge in size measuring up to 8 inches across and 36 inches high (90cm). This flower requires full sun and usually starts to blossom from mid summer to early fall. These Dahlias are easy to grow in the garden and usually have pink and red color petals with a mix of gold. These flowers don’t like the cold so you want to dig them up before he frost comes and store them in the winter before replanting them in the spring. Store them in a box covered with moistened sand and keep at (7-10 degrees Celsius).

Sylvia Ball Dahlia

The Sylvia ball dahlias have fresh orange-like blooms that bring a vibrant aspect to your flower beds. This layered flower creates a globe shape. These vibrant orange flowers are perfect for your mid-summer to first frost bouquets. These dahlias grow up to 40 inches. Although they are hardy they are susceptible to the cold.

Double Jill Dahlia

The Double Jill dahlia is a white and yellow glob shaped flower with an orange and red centre. Both the layered petals and lemon-vanilla shades gives the flower depth. Dahlias are amongst the easiest to grow and are an abundant source for cut flowers. They grow 40 inches high and strive in full sun making it perfect for those with no shade in their garden.

Sweet Violets - Novelty Pompom Dahlia

This Sweet violet has layered petals forming the flower head into a spherical shape. It grows 40 inches tall and is easy to grow. Sweet Violet dahlias are beautiful cut flowers and are very unique compared to other cut flowers thus usually making it the star of the bouquet.

Brigitta Alida - Giant Dinnerplate Dahlia

The Brigitta Alida dahlia is a large intense flower with a burgundy centre and lighter outer petals. This plant is deer resistant and with a single stem you can make a flower arrangement! They bloom from mid-summer to the first frost and enjoy full sun. There height ranges from 40 inches and this dahlia is quite hardy.

Mignus Randy - Giant Dinnerplate Dahlia

The Mingus Randy dahlia has a dinnerplate size flower head and is a great cut flower. It had a lavender colour centre and edges and in the between is a creamy white. Its pointed, thin petals give the flower a unique spunky look and are unlike most flowers. It grows up to 40 inches high and is fairly hardy, other than not liking the cold.

Penhill Watermelon Giant Dinnerplate Dahlia

Penhill Watermelon is a Giant Dinnerplate Dahlia variety in shades of luscious pink, peach and yellow. Flowers can measure up to 11 inches across!. Great cut flower. Provides nearly continuous blooms from summer through until first frost. Grows up to 60 inches in height

Apricot Fudge- Double Asiatic Lily

These elegant lilies have a rose like form. They are a soft peach in color and they are very strong flowers, resistant to disease and viruses which make them exceptional flowers for the gardens, containers as well as cut flowers. This Lily requires full sun and partial shade. They bloom double flowers off the stem in late spring, early summer and grow 25 to 36 inches. These Lilies multiply annually and have a beautiful fragrance that butterflies love.

Outback Trumpet Lily

The Outback Trumpet Lily has a creamy yellow colour with medium to dark coloured leaves. This superb flower that reaches 3 to 4 feet makes it perfect for a mid-garden setting. Since these flowers can grow tall, we suggest you plant them where they are protected from strong winds. They flower mid to late July and grow in full sun to partial shade. Furthermore its soft yellow petals and significant size also carry a strong fragrance. They make great cut flowers when planted in groups.

Campfire Dance Montbretia

This new Colourful Companions pack features 20 assorted Crocosmia corms that produce flowers in shades of yellow, orange and red. Also known as Montbretia, these intriguing flowers bloom in summer and are hummingbird magnets. Grows best in full sun. Reaches 24 inches in height.

Mercedes - Calla Lily

The Mercedes Calla lily is an upscale, posh flower like its name. Its intense green foliage and sleek pointed tips make this flower very different from others. It loves full sun and grows up to 2 feet. Its peachy and red tone highlights create an intense, stunning flower perfect for any occasion. This bulb is also perfect for containers as it has narrow foliage.

Vanilla Cream - Greenleaf Canna

The Vanilla Cream Greenleaf Canna flower has a unique shape with creamy white flowers and classic green foliage. It blooms mid-summer to late summer and strives in full sun. Its height rages from 24 inches- 60 inches thus requiring protection from strong winds. Other attributes include being deer resistant as well as gracing your kitchen dining table as cut flowers.

Arisaema speciousum- Giant Cobra Lily

Arisaema speciousum, also known as the Cobra Lily is a perennial which originates from India and requires part sun to mostly shade. In late spring to early summer usually three dark green textured leaves will appear with red edging. The plant will flower usually in May and will have a dark wine purple color with white pinkish stripes. The flower will hold a spadix which starts off thick and sturdy then turns to a crumpled red thread. This plant can grow anywhere from 30-34 inches high (76-86cm). The Giant Cobra Lily enjoys a mist well drained soil. This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which can irritate the mouth and esophagus.

Here Lies Butch - Hemerocallis

This daylily has thick white and purple petals with lime trimmings. This plant produces 5 inch flowers across on 22 inch stems. The bloom season is typically from mid-late summer. This plant needs full sun and partial shade. All parts of the plant is edible, bee friendly and fragrant.

Most of these items are available at Art's for spring 2017, between February and the End of April. You can also shop for these in our webstore. As always, please call 604.882.1201 to confirm availability if you are making a special trip as quantities may be limited for some varieties.

Hellebores are one of our favourite flowers for the later winter and early Spring. Given our never ending winter, we had the opportunity to grab a few photos and showcase some of our favourites, some new and some old. If you haven't planted at least one of these, your garden is missing out!

Royal Heritage Lenten Rose

Helleborus x hybridus ‘Royal Heritage’

A strain of hybrids with long-lasting cup shaped flowers in a range of colours including purple, pink, green, white, near black all with contrasting yellow stamens. Some flowers are spotted or brushed with a contrasting colour. Each blossom has overlapping petals forming a cup-shape. Flowers in late winter. Dark green leaves are leathery and serrated. Grows 18-24 inches in height.

Pink Marble Hellebore

Helleborus lividus ‘Pink Marble’

Pink Marble is shorter than many other Hellebores. It blooms in late February with rich pink buds and soft pink blooms on rosy-pink stems. Foliage is bluish-green and oval shaped with silvery veins. Excellent in a container as it only grows 10-12 inches in height. Deer resistant too!

Pennys Pink Hellebore

Helleborus ‘Pennys Pink’

Pennys Pink Hellebore is one of our favourites this year. This variety features large, cup-shaped flowers that emerge mauce-pink, maturing to deeper pink. Leaves are blue green, evergreen and leathery with silver green veining. Prune off old leaves in winter. Grows 18-24 inches in height.
 

 

Spring Party Lenten Rose

Helleborus x hybridus ballardeae

Spring Party Hellebores feature creamy white flowers on rosy stems. Green, gray and white marbled leaves. These blooms appear late winter to early spring and make a great addition to a shady high profile area where they can be enjoyed peeping out early in the season. Grows 10-14 inches in height

Champion Hellebore

Helleborus x ericsmithii ‘Champion’

Champion Hellebore features large creamy white flowers with a dark pink reverse. Handsome, evergreen foliage. Deer resistant. Grows 8-12 inches in height.

Merlin Hellebore

Helleborus ‘Merlin’

Merlin Hellebore features outward-facing, light pink to pink flowers that mature to a deep cranberry. Very dark foliage with dark stems. Deer resistant. Grows 12-15 inches tall.

 

Annas Red Lenten Rose

Helleborus ‘Annas Red’

Plants produce bushy clumps of thick, leathery evergreen leaves with large cup-shaped flowers. This selection features single burgundy-red flowers on red stems over marbled evergreen foliage. Prune off old leaves late winter before the buds emerge. Grows to a height of 18-24 inches

Spring Sweetie Lenten Rose

Helleborus orientalis Spring ‘Sweetie’

Large double, rose coloured flowers with purple dots. Bushy clump of evergreen leaves. Grows to 12-24 inches in height.

Spring Darling Lenten Rose

Helleborus orientalis Spring ‘Darling’

Plants produce a bushy clump of thick, leathery evergreen leaves. Flowers appear in a wide range of soft pastel shades. Features large, upward facing, single flowers in antique rose-pink with faint white veins and a central green flare. Great in containers. Grows 14-16 inches in height.

Spring Diamond Hellebore

Helleborus orientalis Spring ‘Diamond’

Flowers on this stunning variety are large in a wide range of soft pastel shades. This one is double in white to pale pink highlighted in green, each petal edged in rose. Plants produce a bushy clump of thick, leathery evergreen leaves. Grows 14-16 inches in height.

Peppermint Ice Winter Jewels Hellebore

Helleborus Winter Jewels ‘Peppermint Ice’

Peppermint Ice Hellebore forms a mound of leathery, evergreen foliage bearing upright stems of large, saucer-shaped blooms from late winter through spring. Features double blooms in shades of white and rose-red with a rim of darker pink edging. Deer resistant. Grows 15-18 inches tall.

Spring Velvet Lenten Rose

Helleborus orientalis Spring ‘Velvet’

Spring Velvet is a rare and unusual variety. Plants produce a bushy clump of thick, leathery, evergreen foliage. Flowers are large, upfacing, single and violet in colour with darker violet dots. Early flowering. Grows to 8-12 inches in height.

Double Fantasy Christmas Rose (Winter Dreams Series)

Helleborus niger ‘Double Fantasy’

Double Fantasy is a member of Winter Dreams Series of Hellebores. It produces beautiful, semi-double outward facing blooms with ruffled white petals and a golden stamens arranged in a circle. Stems are tall and are accented with handsome dark green leaves in compact clumps. Deer and rabbit resistant. Perfect in shaded woodland, native or shade gardens. Evergreen. Reaches 8-12 inches tall.

Cotton Candy Hellebore

Helleborus x hybridus ‘Cotton Candy’

Cotton Candy Hellebore features large, double fluffy pink nodding flowers in shades of light pink.Dark green foliage is deer resistant. An ideal variety in beds and borders. Grows 12-24 inches in height. Created by One of the world's top hybridizers, Marietta O'Byrne

Sparkling Diamond Hellebore

Helleborus ‘Sparkling Diamond’

Sparkling Diamond is a member of the Winter Jewels series of double hellebores. This variety produces a profusion of double, pure white blooms. A delight in the winter garden. Shade tolerant and deer resistant. Grows to a height of 12-14 inches.

Stinking Hellebore

Helleborus foetidus

Rounding out this collection is the classic Stinking Hellebore. It is an evergreen perennial noted for its deeply divided dark green foliage and late winter to early spring bloom. Clusters of drooping, bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers start in February. Grows 12-24 inches in height.

How to Grow Hellebores

Helleborus are evergreen perennials that thrive in shade or part shade, usually around 3-6 hours of sunlight per day. They prefer moist, but well drained woodland soils. They benefit from regular watering, weekly or more often in extreme heat. Somewhat drought tolerant once established. Enrich soil with leaf mold or compost for better growth. Mulch for winter. They typically bloom from late winter through early spring and most are hardy from zones 4-9. Remove old leaves as new spring growth begins. Hellebores are often used in the border, in the cutting garden, as a groundcover, a mass planting or in the woodland garden.