Helleborus VIV® ELSA 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.
VIV® Elsa is a Lenten rose from the VIV® series producing attractive flowers combining white background and deep maroon marbling. They come out early in the season – if forced, they can bloom atop 30-40 cm tall, strong, upright stems from October, otherwise from mid-winter. New flower buds are formed continuously until late winter and thanks to flowers' longevity they remain nice for about 6-8 weeks even after the stamens have fallen down. Evergreen leaves are leathery, palmate, and deep green and form a compact clump.
The VIV® series was given the marketing motto Joie de vivre — Joy of life, and I believe you will enjoy their hellebores just as much as we do. By 2024 an astonishing 58 cultivars had been bred and introduced, and the truth is that many of them you’ve probably seen before; however, the VIV® brand positions itself by producing varieties that may look similar in bloom to earlier introductions but boast improved traits such as an extended flowering period, greater hardiness, and increased vigor.
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 dull days of late winter therefore thumbs up for hellebore! Harmful if eaten. Hardy to about -29 °C (USDA zone 5).
Last update 03-10-2024
