Glasnik Zaštite Bilja (Nov 2021)
Ornamental characteristics, assortment and winter flowering hellebores (Helleborus spp.) cultivation
Abstract
Species of the genus Helleborus are used in ornamental horticulture as garden plants, potted plants for outdoor use, as species for interior decoration, and are increasingly sought after as a cut flower species for winter. The aim of this paper is to describe the basic morphological characteristics and growing conditions of Helleborus species and to provide an overview of the range of species and cultivars of late autumn and winter flowering. A review of the literature revealed that Helleborus niger L., Christmas Rose, is becoming an increasingly sought-after ornamental plant on the market, followed by hybrids between H. orientalis and other species of this genus (H. × hybridus). Although poorly represented in ornamental horticulture, other species (H. viridis, H. foetidus, H. purpurascens, H. tibethanus, H. vesicarius and H. multifidus) and an increasing number of cultivars are also used. Helleborus niger L. is the best known species for flowering at the beginning of winter, especially at Christmas time, and interspecific hybrids are also becoming more and more commercialized. Of particular importance are the crosses between the species H. niger L., H. argutifolius Viv. and H. lividus Aiton. Propagation is possible by seed, division and tissue culture. It is grown in pots 12-14 cm in diameter in which it is planted from 50th to 18th weeks. It needs a substrate pH of 5.8 to 6.0, does not tolerate high levels of salt in the soil, and for sale in early winter is grown in green houses from mid-October. It is sensitive to high humidity, which with high temperatures potentiates the appearance of diseases (Fusarium, Pythium and Phytophtora).
