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Strange Helleborus foetidus

West Somerset, England

I have a number of these plants - I like them! Today I noticed that one of them is different. Could it be a hybrid - if so, how? Please can anyone explain why it's a different colour to the others?


On plant Helleborus foetidus


Answers

 

Don't have a clue, but if it is stable it does look interesting Barbara.

26 Jan, 2009

 

Rather pretty, isn't it!

26 Jan, 2009

 

It could be a sport Barbara, you will have to wait and see if it remains true. Cold weather conditions could have given one a different colour.

26 Jan, 2009

 

Even when there are others next to it?

26 Jan, 2009

 

Yes, the hot sun on the frost can cause green to go mauve, often with the plants at the front of the border.

26 Jan, 2009

 

It could also be a virus, but are you sure they are H. foetidus at all? The leaves look wrong, as do the buds for foetidus.

26 Jan, 2009

 

Yes - I only have that species (apart from H.niger and H.orientalis elsewhere in the garden). Next door doesn't have any, and the other side is a farm field. Birds wouldn't carry the seeds, would they??

26 Jan, 2009

 

You'll have to keep us posted on it's future development.

26 Jan, 2009

 

~looks lovely whatever it is!

26 Jan, 2009

 

Seeds are a bit too heavy for birds to carry. H. foetidus does not cross with either of those other two species, at least not naturally.

27 Jan, 2009

 

Hellebores are notoriously promiscuous and will cross fertilise with other types. I'd count myself very lucky to have such a gorgeous and unique plant.

27 Jan, 2009

How do I say thanks?

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