HELLEBORUS. Hellebore. Southern Europe, Western Asia. The hellebores are showy, undemanding perennials for California gardens. They have large, leathery leaves on long stalks, divided hand-like into several leaflets. Their flowers are presented in branched, sometimes massive clusters above the foliage in early spring, often lasting on the plants for two months or more. They are usually large, cupped and colored various shades of maroon or green to nearly white. All parts of the plants are seriously toxic, and some people have problems even handling them. Wear gloves! For some reason, this toxicity doesn’t prevent snails from disfiguring the leaves from time to time, or thrips from attacking the new growth and flowers. Part shade, reasonably well drained soil, and moderate watering are preferable. Most will tolerate some drought when established. Hardy to 0^oF. or less, except as shown.

orientalis. Lenten rose. Lower growing than the last, with shiny dark green leaves. The typical form has 2-3" blossoms, colored cream to pale green and often tinged with pink and speckled on some segments with dark green or purple. The forms collectively (and incorrectly) known for many years as the variety atrorubens are distinguished by blossoms of deep maroon. Over the past several years I have selected and reselected strains with unusually large flowers of clear, bright pink, and others with pure white flowers. These are delightful and undemanding garden plants, growing more beautiful each year.