|
Statistics
Members: 237
News: 1054
Web Links: 17
Visitors: 640518
|
According to legend, a young shepardess named Madelon was tending her sheep one cold winter night. As she watched over her flock, a group of wise men along with other shepards passed by bearing gifts for the newly born Jesus. Madelon wept, because she had no gifts to bring the Newborn King... not even a simple flower... An angel, upon hearing her weeping, appeared and brushed away the snow to reveal a most beautiful white flower tipped with pink-The Christmas Rose.
This is just one of several legends that surround these lovely plants that flower at the least likely time of the year.
Hellebores Niger, or the Christmas rose, is very easy to grow. Most varieties are zone 4-8 and come in white, white with pink or shades of deeper pink and mauve. There is also a black variety. They bloom in late fall, winter or early spring depending on the variety. These evergreen perennials grow 12-15 inches with shiny dark leathery leaves. Each flower stalk bears a single 2-4 inch bloom. When choosing a location keep in mind that you will have flowers in the winter when you are not usually in the garden. You need a location close to the house where you can enjoy it; somewhere protected so that the plant isn't covered in snow is good, like under a tree. They need a shady, deep fertile spot with well-drained soil, neutral or slightly alkaline soil is best. Plant them in early spring 12-15 inches apart and enrich the soil with peat moss or compost. They have deep root systems so roots should be planted downward, and the crown of the plant should be planted 1 inch below the surface, and add 1 inch of mulch. In the spring remove old tattered foliage and feed with 10-10-10.
Merry Christmas from Lindi Karmason of Lake Country Greenhouses 2006-12 |
|
Subscription
Special OfferOrder 12 ISSUES of the CHOICE for family and friends for only $12.00 plus gst (Canada only). Send your name and address and a cheque to Seniors Choice at Box 41075 RPO South, Lake Country, BC V4V 1Z7
MYRA CANYON KELOWNA BC
SILVER STAR VERNON BC
|
