Helleborus 'ET EPB 1717' FROSTKISS VIBEY VELVET hellebore, Lenten rose
Helleborus
The genus Helleborus comprises roughly twenty species of perennial plants distributed mainly across Europe and western Asia, especially in the mountainous and sub‑montane regions of the Balkans, the Alps and the Apennines. Direct fossil evidence is lacking, but genetic relationships and present‑day distribution point to a very ancient origin, probably reaching deep into the Tertiary. Hellebores were already known to classical physicians, as shown by the writings of Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder, who used them as drastic medicinal remedies. This is reflected in the Greek etymology of the name, most often interpreted as a combination of helein (to kill) and bora (a deadly food). It refers to the plant’s highly poisonous properties, valued in antiquity as powerful purgatives but easily fatal when used without expertise. The genus received its modern name and place in botany in the mid‑18th century thanks to Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778), who described it in 1753 in Species Plantarum. Hellebores are no novelty in Czech and Slovak gardens either; our grandmothers already enjoyed their flowers in winter and early spring. The only thing that has changed since then are the cultivars and colours, which are ever more numerous and increasingly beautiful. They are evergreen perennials with a remarkably structured flower. The “petals” we see at first glance, white or coloured, are in fact enlarged sepals surrounding a ring of true petals – the corolla segments, usually periwinkle green and occasionally red, which have become tubular and bear the nectaries.
FROSTKISS™ VIBEY VELVET hellebore was bred by Elisabeth Bisschop and Bart Noordhuis from the Dutch nursery Kwekerij Verboom as a cross between h. orientalis and h. x ericsmithii. In Europe it is included in the Frostkiss™ collection and in the USA in the Winter Angels™ series. Protected by US patent No. PP34456 from 2022.
The FROSTKISS™ series was put together by the Dutch company Eternal Plant Boijl and includes several beautiful varieties that boast not only charming flowers, but also with very attractive leaves as they were crossbred with species whose leaf aesthetics often surpass the beauty of the flowers. And in the case of these hybrids, it was possible to achieve both in one plant and as an addition comes the high frost-resistance of its open flowers.
FROSTKISS™ VIBEY VELVET bears 6-8 cm wide, single flowers with 5, almost rounded, overlapping, velvety maroon petals. Centres are decorated with a bunch of creamy white stamens and a small chartreuse crown creating a typical anemone-like appearance. The stems are about 40 cm high, dark reddish-brown, and the flowers face sideways. Even outside the flowering period which is 2-3 months starting February, the plant will show off with its other feature: evergreen leaves. They are very attractive, palmately divided into 5, broadly ovate, dark green, partially glossy leaflets with prominent, light green veins.
Hellebore likes heavy, evenly moist, neutral to alkaline, rich in humus soil in dappled shade or filtered sun. This hybrid will prefer at least half a day with direct sunlight. Fertilizing will increase flowering and help the leaves remain strong and nice throughout the winter. Grow it somewhere near your house entrance or close to the window you look out of frequently so that you can enjoy the plant when it starts flowering since at that time the weather outside is not yet ideal for walking around the garden. The flowers can cheer up a number of grey and gloomy days of late winter therefore thumbs up for hellebore! Hardy to min. -29°C (USDA zone 5).
Last update 19-02-2024
