Hellebores
or
The Christmas Rose or maybe the Lenten Rose
They have been hiding away in a shady corner over the winter, snuggling down in the snow and somehow impervious to the frosts and heavy rains. Hellebores often flower around Christmas whilst other varieties wait till Easter approaches…hence the two names for what is essentially the same hardy plant.
Our Hellebores must obviously favour the Lenten variety as they are just starting to flourish. Long stems with leaves at the top that hide the buds of new flowers till they are ready to pop…flowers that are also surprisingly delicate, despite the harshness of the season, draping over to protect a mass of yellow stamen. The Petals on our Hellebore are either white (as above) or mauve. But whatever their colour they remain a welcome reminder that winter passes and spring will soon be here.
6th March
(C) David Oakes 2018
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 