Helleborus Double Ellen Pink

Description

Helleborus ‘Double Ellen Pink’ – double hellebore

Botanical name: Helleborus x hybridus ‘Double Ellen Pink’
Common names: Hellebore, Lenten rose
Family: Ranunculaceae
Plant type: Evergreen perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mound-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 40–45cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Handsome, leathery, dark green, divided leaves; evergreen
Flowers: Fully double, many-petalled, outward- to slightly downward-facing flowers in clear pink, often delicately spotted, over a long winter and spring season (January–April)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Partial shade; tolerates some winter sun
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich; dislikes waterlogging and deep dry shade; neutral to alkaline preferred; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Garden hybrid; the parent species are native to Europe and Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Toxic — all parts are harmful if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin; keep away from children and pets, and wear gloves when handling

Helleborus ‘Double Ellen Pink’ is a lovely double hellebore with fully double, rose-like pink flowers through winter and spring over evergreen foliage. A treasure for shady borders when little else blooms.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the most treasured of all winter and early-spring perennials, the hellebore or Lenten rose bears its beautiful fully double, many-petalled saucer-shaped flowers over many weeks from the depths of winter into spring, when almost nothing else is in bloom. Held above handsome, leathery evergreen foliage, the flowers are wonderfully weather-resistant, and provide invaluable early nectar for bees on mild days. A hellebore is a treasure for a shady border, and a plant to lift the spirits in the bleakest months.

Growing & planting

Plant in autumn or spring in moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil in partial shade — it dislikes both waterlogging and deep dry shade, and is happiest with cool roots and light overhead shade, such as beneath deciduous shrubs. Work in plenty of leaf mould or compost. Space about 45cm apart, and mulch annually.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. In late winter, before the flowers open, cut away any old, damaged or tatty leaves — this shows off the flowers and helps reduce hellebore leaf spot; on evergreen sorts, remove only what is spoiled. Mulch with leaf mould in autumn. It resents disturbance, so avoid moving it once settled. Wear gloves when handling, as all parts are toxic.

Propagation

• Division: Can be divided carefully in early autumn, though hellebores resent disturbance and are best left undisturbed.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in a suitable spot. Hellebore leaf spot (dark blotches on the leaves) is the main problem — remove and destroy affected leaves. Aphids can cluster on the flower stems, and vine weevil may occur in pots. Otherwise reliable and long-lived.

Uses in the garden

Superb in shady and woodland borders, beneath deciduous shrubs and trees, at the front of a partly shaded bed and in containers near a path or door, where its winter flowers and evergreen foliage can be enjoyed close to when little else is in bloom.

Wildlife value

Hellebores are valuable for wildlife: their winter and early-spring flowers are one of the very few nectar sources available to bees and other pollinators on mild days, when almost nothing else is in bloom.

Toxicity & safety

Hellebore is toxic — all parts are harmful if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin. Keep it away from children and pets, site it accordingly, and wear gloves when handling or cutting it.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Double Ellen Pink’ bears exquisite, fully double, rose-like flowers in clear pink, often delicately spotted within, over many weeks from midwinter — a real treasure for a shady spot. Plant it near a path or door where you can appreciate the intricate flowers. Tidy off old, spoiled leaves in late winter to show off the blooms and check leaf spot, and always wear gloves, as all parts are poisonous.

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