Afternoon all; I spent the am hours pruning and cleaning beds out then came in for lunch and started the "spring fever" browsing of plant and seed catalogs. Heronswood has some fascinating plants that I've never tried / seen in this area. Has anyone tried the Helleborus (Lenten Rose)??? I have filtered or partial shade but am finally getting the soil in pretty good condition. Heronswood also has a tree peony that has a single flower form much like a wild rose bloom that I am tempted to try (it's not a $100 long shot either). I know Tyler area has been growing peonies and Dallas area can do it. Think morning sun/afternoon shade with a prepared bed is worth a 17.00 gamble? Maybe in a mixed bed with something else to cover the late summer raggedy leaves......
Jan
Looking for advice on Helleborus and tree peony on zone 8B/
I have been intrigued by the idea of Helleabores. I found some locally at North haven nursery. they aren't cheap. So I'm experimenting with a few.
The lady at the nursery assured me that they will do fine here. I can't wait to see. a shade loving winter blooming flower sounds pretty cool.
I'm pleased that others are intrigued with these plants too. Can you tell me what kind of beds you have them in? I have sandy soil improved with compost and tx green sand. I currently have camellias and hydrangeas planted there. Please let us know how your plants do as I see Heronswood shipping dates start in March for this area. I realllly want to try these. Jan
Since I just bought my first plants I'm no expert. I am hoping they turn out to be as cool as they look in catalogs.
I have hellebores. The first ones I planted should bloom for the third time here in a couple of weeks. They are so pretty, evergreen and virtually carefree.
I mail-ordered some of mine, but have found that NHG is cheaper than the mail-order catalogs. Also bought some from one of my favorite vendors, nckoby, on e-bay. She sends a lot of seedlings with her larger divisions. My larger plants have had some trouble transplanting, but the seedlings don't miss a beat. They just take longer to bloom.
cool! Since you are also in Garalnd maybe there is hope for mine. What varieties do you suggest? And do you have any growing advise?
check out the site www.sunfarm.com for hellebores. Great info
What a great site! Thanks geneivy
OOOOOhhhh Geneivy!!!!! THANK You for the link! The pictures under the trees are exactly what I have (1 acre). I'm in and am ordering this evening. This is perfect for this sloped, treed area. Bless you, bless you, bless you - ooo I can't wait.
Jan
That is a great site!
I don't really have any tips because I don't do anything special for mine. They're probably the easiest plants I have. I've put them in dappled sun, bright shade and full shade, and all do fine. They're a bit slow-growing at first (compared to say, ruellia). But all of my spring-planted nursery plants have bloomed the next winter. I think seedlings take an extra year.
The only thing I would say is that I've bought some bare roots through mail order. That seems to work better in other areas. My seedlings did fine, but the mature plants have really struggled from transplanting. I'm sticking with potted plants from now on.
Not sure what all I have out there. I know I have one Royal Heritage. I don't have Barry's Sunshine Selections--they're on my wish list.
Siggy, I remember you were looking for shade plants. I will try again to get you some toad lilies in the spring at one of the swaps. They spread a LOT faster than the hellebores! Also, if you like heucheras, Dolce Peach Melba doesn't seem to mind our heat so much.