The evergreen foliage of Helleborus will add interesting texture to your shade garden, the perfect contrast to those spring and summer blooming perennials. Hellebores bloom in the heart of winter, providing year-round interest, filling in those drab flower beds in the down months.
Caring for them is simple, Helleborus/Lenten Roses are very hardy plants:
- They prefer part sun or even full shade, but will tolerate full sun in cool areas.
- Plant them in rich, well-drained soil
- Give them fresh layer of compost each year to provided needed nutrients.
- Lenten Roses are fairly drought-tolerant, but they will need a thorough watering in drier summers.
- Trim back old-growth leaves in late winter. The plants will start to bloom and send out new leaves – trimming old growth will help your plants look neater.
[NOTICE] You may experience mild skin irritation when handling Hellebores, some people do – just wear gloves when you cut back the old leaves to be sure.
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Poppies are very popular this year, and Wayside Gardens is carrying a few of the most beautiful, sought-after poppies on the market this year. My personal favorites, Papaver 'Manhattan' and Papaver 'Patty's Plum' are as interesting and beautiful as poppies should be, and they have both been very popular this year.
Poppies are considered wildflowers, which makes them very easy to care for. Here are a few quick and easy tips for growing great poppies:
- Give your plant full sunlight
- Plant in soil that drains well – poppies don't like to be wet.
- Plant multiple varieties and maybe a few annuals with different bloom times to extend the beauty of your flower bed.
- Dead-head to prevent seeding if you like – but if you don't your poppies will spread and naturalize nicely.
- It's okay to trim the stems to the ground after the plant starts to fade – they will pop right back up next spring.
If you'd like to find out more information: Growing and Caring for Poppies
A new article from Wayside Gardens' Plant Care Library
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