Shooting Star Hellebore Helleborus × ericsmithii Hgc Shooting Star = 'Coseh 790' (PBR)

Names

• Family

  Ranunculaceae

• Synonyms

  Shooting Star Hellebore, HGC Shooting Star

• Common names

  Helleborus × ericsmithii Hgc Shooting Star = 'Coseh 790' (PBR)

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Helleborus x ericsmithii, commonly known as Lenten rose, can be toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain compounds that can cause discomfort and symptoms of poisoning. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. In some cases, it can also lead to a slowing of the heart rate and, although rare, may be severe enough to require medical attention. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation in some individuals. Caution should be taken to prevent ingestion and contact with skin, especially in children and pets.

• To pets

  The Lenten rose is toxic to pets if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds which can lead to various symptoms in animals. Pets that consume any part of the Lenten rose may exhibit signs of poisoning that include drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to depression of the central nervous system and potentially be fatal if not treated promptly. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of pets and to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of it.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)

• Spread

  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Garden origin

General Benefits

• Winter Interest: Helleborus × ericsmithii Hgc Shooting Star remains evergreen, providing color and texture in the garden during the winter months when most other plants are dormant.
• Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is fairly tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Shade Tolerance: This hellebore is suited to grow in shady areas where other flowers might struggle to thrive.
• Long Flowering Period: It has a prolonged blooming season, often flowering from late winter through early spring.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is largely resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, protecting it from wildlife damage.
• Attracts Pollinators: Early-blooming flowers provide an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators when few other food sources are available.
• Architectural Form: Its striking foliage and flower form add architectural interest to the garden landscape.
• Ground Cover: The plant's bushy growth habit makes it an excellent option for ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion.
• Hybrid Vigor: As a hybrid, Shooting Star often exhibits greater vigor and improved flower performance compared to some species plants.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Hellebore can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of winter beauty to bouquets with their nodding flowers and lasting longer in water than many other blooms.
• As an addition to a winter-themed garden, Hellebores like Hgc Shooting Star provide visual interest during the colder months when most other plants are dormant.
• These plants can be used in educational settings, such as botanical gardens or horticulture programs, to demonstrate hybridization and plant breeding techniques.
• With their evergreen foliage, Hellebores are great for creating contrast in garden compositions, especially among deciduous plants.
• Photographers may use Hellebores as a subject for nature photography due to their early bloom times and unique floral structure.
• Due to their early flowering period, hellebores could serve as indicators of climate change, as shifts in blooming time may reflect changing environmental conditions.
• Artists might use Hellebores as inspiration or a real-world model for botanical illustrations, paintings, or sculptures.
• In folklore and myth-themed gardens, Hellebores tie into stories and legends, offering historical and educational storytelling elements in garden design.
• Hellebores can play an important role in supporting early bees and other pollinators by providing a source of nectar and pollen when few other plants are in bloom.
• When grown in a container, Hellebores can be a versatile element in balcony gardens or patios, especially in urban areas where garden space is limited.

Feng Shui

The Hellebore is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Hellebore is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Resilience: Helleborus, also known as the Christmas Rose, often blooms in winter, demonstrating its ability to withstand and thrive even in harsh conditions. It symbolizes the strength and determination to overcome challenges.
• Hope: As one of the first plants to flower, often pushing through the snow, the Christmas Rose is seen as a symbol of hope and the promise of new beginnings.
• Tranquility: With its subtle and elegant blooms, the Christmas Rose is often associated with peace and tranquility, suggesting a sense of calm and serenity.
• Protection: In medieval times, the Christmas Rose was believed to have magical properties that could ward off evil spirits and protect homes, symbolizing safety.
• Beauty: Despite its ability to bloom in the depths of winter, the Christmas Rose has delicate flowers, symbolizing beauty and grace under pressure or in unexpected places.