Just look at the number of blooms on this plant!
I am currently very enthused with Hellebores, and one of the reasons for this is the sheer variety of different types available. This one is called "White Spotted Oriental Hybrid". From above / the outside, the flowers are definitely pink.
When you look at them from underneath / inside though, they are much paler (verging on white) and definitely spotted:
This one (on the same plant) is almost green.
My next photo shows two blooms on another plant, one seen from above and one seen from below, which illustrates again the color difference.
Most of my photos of Hellebore flowers have a finger in them, because I have had to hold the flower in such a way that you can see its inside.
One of the reasons I have been pleased with the Hellebores is that they have provided a splash of color in the garden when little else is out. Many of the flowers appeared before the Spring bulbs began to appear, and it looks as if they will still be flowering when the bulbs have finished.
This lovely dark one was recently given to me by my blogging friend Alice, who runs Lock Cottage Flowers. Being a single one it relies on color rather than shape for its dramatic effect.
In the next few photos you can see something of how the seeds develop.
I have heard that Hellebores self-seed easily, so I hope mine do. It would be nice if I had a whole bed of them!
