How to Grow a Winter Garden

Most true gardeners like the idea of any extension of the growing season. The idea of having "blooming" plants in the "gray" months of winter is a particularly intriguing thought. You can have a year-round "blooming" garden. Read on to find out how it is achieved.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hellebore seeds, compost, additives, flats for seeds and gardening tools

How to Start and Maintain a Winter Garden

1. Hellebores is the answer to a garden that continues through the winter months. Naturally, you will want to understand the various "types" of Hellebores. While there are approximately a half-dozen sold through the mail, four varieties are particularly worth mentioning.
   
   The Christmas Rose normally blooms after the first of the year rather than during the Christmas season. The flower is white and pink. The plant normally reaches a height of 12 to 15 inches. The flowering winter plant can be easily grown in Zones 4 to 8. Still, they may be difficult to establish; or, they can die anywhere there is high heat or humidity.

2. The second Hellebore to be aware of is the Lenten Rose. The flowering plant blooms between January and April and comes in many colors. This variety of Hellebore is easy to grow and reaches a height of 18 inches. The plant maintains its hardy characteristics within Zones 5 to 8. (If you prefer a Hellebore that is effortless to establish, you may wish to "strongly" consider the Lenten Rose).

3. The third variety of Hellebore you will want to know about is the Stinking Hellebore. This is a green flowered species--there are 2--that blooms anywhere between February and April. The plant only releases a slight odor if its leaves are "trampled" or crushed. The drama of the plant is that it provides groupings of bell-shaped flowers, and reaches a height of 18 inches.
   
   The plant is hardy from zone seven to eight. Stinking Hellebore can survive cold winters with mulch.

4. Lastly, the fourth type of Hellebore is the Corsican Hellebore. The plant is quite beautiful growing to a height of three feet. The plant's blossoms are a delightful green and 2 inches in diameter. Corsican Hellebores are somewhat hardy. The plant can successfully grow in Zones 6 to 8; however, be advised a hard freeze can kill the plant's flower buds.

5. Next, you will want to address how you may place Hellebores in your garden. It is suggested you plant shrubs that bloom early such as Rhododendrons along with Hellebores. Also take note that Hellebores do well in shady areas. Ground covers such as Bergenia make for a good combination with the foliage offered by the Hellebore.
   
   Another suggestion is to place the subtly of Hellebore in combination with Hyacinth and/or Snowdrops.
   
   Lastly, Primrose may be added to the Hellebores that tend to linger. Once the Hellebore plants fade, a placement of ferns in the garden is highly advised.

6. Finally, you will want to know how to successfully grow Hellebores. Remember, Hellebores will be hardy when planted in their recommended zones. (Zones, herein, are for the United States). The plant can survive colder conditions as long as it is shielded from winter wind and insulated with loose mulch or a covering of snow. The plants remain hardy in winter, but will need shade in the summer months. Hellebores can die out during hot and humid summers.

7. Stinking Hellebores and Corsican Hellebores do not form recognizable roots and should not be divided.

8. In the Northern portion of the United States, divide Christmas and Lenten Hellebores in the spring. In the South, the plants may be divided at any time during the year.

9. Hellebores easily produce seeds and can be initially grown or established with seeds. Once the plants sprout, it will take approximately one to three years before they bloom.

10. Sow the seeds in a flat of well-drained soil. Leave the flats outdoors through the first summer and winter and through the second summer.

11. Water the flats enough so they do not become dry.

12. By the second autumn, the plants initiated by seed will be mature enough to place in your garden.

13. When you are ready to place the plants in your garden, remove any debris in order to discourage disease.

14. Incorporate a generous supply of compost into the soil and place the mature plants in your garden.

15. Enjoy your extra effort as Hellebores make a "delightful" winter plant.

[MidniteWriter]

on 1/30/2008 Good to know, thanks for the tips!

[MidniteWriter]

on 1/30/2008 Good to know, thanks for the tips!