Double Hellebores

Double forms are now incredibly popular and I grow a number of types. First there are those that originated in Germany from plants such as 'Gunther Jurgl'; most being very strong growers capable of producing sizable clumps over time. I was first shown these plants by Elizabeth Strangman at Washfield Nursery (now closed) and was completely won over. I had not always been a fan of doubles as early examples were rather poor. Big improvements continue to take place but it has to be said that they are flamboyant things and not to everyones taste.The second type of double comes from a form of H. torquatus called 'Dido'; an altogether more dainty sort of plant. The flowers are usually smaller in size with a pointed petal shape, and foliage on many examples is finely divided. I find this type more susceptible to disease but by crossing with other doubles I hope eventually to resolve this problem. The final group consists of plants that have resulted from crosses with anemone centred plants. These are fairly new and show great promise for the future.