595 BC

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Lenten-Rose or Christmas Rose - Hellebore The genus is native to a large part of Europe, from Great Britain, through Spain, across the Mediterranean region, into Central Europe and to the Caucasus, including the south shore of the Black Sea, northern Turkey to Georgia. There are two species outside of this area, one from China and one from a small area in northern Syria, along its border with Turkey. Many of the species and hybrids are evergreen, although some leaves may begin to look a bit ratty as the winter progresses. The best thing about Hellebores is that they can begin to bloom in mid- to late winter, depending on the species and parentage, and continue right through June. One reason this is possible is the wide range of bloom time from one species or hybrid to another. The other reason is that the showy parts of the inflorescence are sepals which surround the ring of smaller petals holding the nectar (called 'nectaries' for you Scrabble buffs). While regular petals of flowers are quite ephemeral, the sepals remain on the plant for weeks, sometimes months, with some change in color but continuing a display that outstrips any other perennial plant I know as regards longevity of flowering. I'm of course willing to debate this should someone reply with an alternative. Hellebores are small to medium sized perennials, often topping out at under a foot, but with some flower stalks and the growth of more robust species rising to eighteen inches. They love the shade and a slightly acid but humus rich soil. Once established, they will seed themselves in and also grow by enlarging from the root, like an ornamental grass. One thing to keep in mind is that if your Hellebores are hybrids, the seedlings will not necessarily (and in fact will not period) come true to the parent, but will revert, like some say I did, to a previous ancestor. In my case, some say an ancient and prehistoric ancestor. Once established, it's best to leave Hellebores alone: they don't like to be moved, and, unlike most ornamental grasses, prefer not to be divided. Hellebores provide a flower display that covers a wide range of color: from a pure white (which fades to pink) to a pale green, deep purple and almost black, through plum to rich red and yellow. Flower structure and frills have also been added: doubles, semi-double varieties and some with picotee coloring (a darker contrasting color along the edge of the sepal). There is a fragrant species, H. odorus, but caveat emptor on that one: it is a highly variable trait. The genus name and the common name, Helleborus and Hellebore, come from the Greek name of the species native to the region of the Mediterranean. They are members of the Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Hellebores have been used for centuries as an herbal remedy, including as a weight loss herb in Russian medicine. Some species have been used by the ancients for paralysis, gout and other diseases, including and particularly for insanity. In the Greek myth, Melampus of Pylos used Hellebore to cure the daughters of the King of Argos from a madness that was brought on them by Dionysus, which had them running naked through the streets, weeping and screaming. Horace (Quintius Horatius Flaccus, 65 BC-8 BC) mentions the use of Hellebore as an agent in fostering artistic creativity because of its purgative qualities. There is some disagreement as to whether he was being sarcastic in this connection or not, but it is also true that the Greeks used the plant to poison the water supply during the Siege of Kirrha (this was the First Sacred War 595 BC -- 585 BC), resulting in the city being captured and destroyed from an attack of the runs on the part of the defenders. Not running, you understand, as they were no doubt brave and stout, tried and true but, well, you get the idea. It is also true that Hellebores contain poisonous toxins, resulting in tinitus, vertigo, stupor, thirst, a sense of suffocation, swelling of the tongue and throat, vomiting, slowing of the heart rate and finally death from cardiac arrest. If you experience any of these symptoms, look around for Greeks and bargain with them: tell them you will not disturb any more pilgrims to Delphi. So please don't use this plant in any herbal remedy for what ails you, even on the advice of your witch doctor or internist. That reminds me, Hellebore is associated with witchcraft, supposedly used for summoning demons.