Ice N' Roses Silvermoon Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Hgc Silvermoon' (PBR)
ABOUT
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'HGC Silvermoon', commonly known as Lenten rose or Christmas rose, is a perennial plant boasting a stunning appearance that adds elegance to any garden setting. This variety, 'HGC Silvermoon,' is particularly notable for its striking foliage and blossoms. The leaves are deep green and leathery, with a toothed edge, and they maintain their lush appearance throughout the year. The real showstoppers are the flowers, which emerge in late winter to early spring when not much else is blooming. The blooms of 'HGC Silvermoon' have a captivating creamy white color with a subtle hint of pink or green on the backside of the petals. These cup-shaped flowers have a crowning center of prominent yellow stamens, which stand out against the creamy petals, providing a beautiful contrast. The flowers are held high above the foliage on strong stems, giving them an impressive display among early season perennials. They last for several weeks, gradually changing color and developing green hues as they age. The delicate floral display of 'HGC Silvermoon' against its evergreen backdrop provides a serene and romantic touch to the winter and spring landscape. Overall, the elegant form and coloring of 'HGC Silvermoon' make it a cherished addition to shaded garden spots, where it adds a touch of early-year splendor with its graceful blooms and attractive foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Silver Moon Hellebore, Eric Smith's Hellebore
Common names
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Hgc Silvermoon' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Hellebores, including Helleborus × ericsmithii 'HGC Silvermoon,' are toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, some people might experience a burning sensation in the mouth, salivation, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, consumption can lead to symptoms such as tremors, respiratory issues, or cardiac complications. It's crucial to keep in mind the importance of not eating any parts of the plant and to seek medical attention immediately if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Hellebores, like Helleborus × ericsmithii 'HGC Silvermoon,' are also toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and drooling may occur. In more severe instances, ingestion can potentially lead to central nervous system depression, tremors, and even seizures or cardiac complications. Pet owners should prevent their animals from having access to hellebores, and if ingestion is suspected, it is important to contact a veterinarian promptly.
CharacteristicsLife 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
Benefits
General Benefits- Year-round Interest: Helleborus 'HGC Silvermoon' provides visual interest throughout the year with evergreen foliage and long-lasting flowers.
- Winter Blooms: It offers early color in the garden with blooms that appear in late winter to early spring when most other plants are dormant.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens with drier conditions.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant is well-adapted for shaded areas where other flowering plants might struggle to thrive.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The foliage and flowers are typically resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, reducing the need for protective measures.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care and pruning, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-effort plants.
- Attracts Pollinators: The early flowers provide a valuable food source for pollinators such as bees at a time when few other nectar sources are available.
- Ground Cover: Its bushy growth habit makes it ideal for use as ground cover, filling in spaces and suppressing weeds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Leaf Mould Production: Hellebore leaves, when fallen, can be collected to produce leaf mould, a soil conditioner that enhances the structure and water retention of garden soil.
- Natural Mulch: The leaves of the plant can be used as a natural mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds.
- Insect Habitat: Old hellebore foliage can provide overwintering habitats for beneficial garden insects such as ladybirds and lacewings that help control pests.
- Photography: Due to its unique flowers, 'Hgc Silvermoon' is a popular subject for plant photographers and garden bloggers looking for content, especially in late winter and early spring.
- Winter Garden Interest: Planting this hellebore adds visual interest to the garden during the winter months when most other plants are dormant.
- Marker Plant: Because it blooms early, the 'Hgc Silvermoon' can be used as a marker plant to indicate the start of the gardening season in temperate climates.
- Frost Indicator: The frost resistance of the plant's flowers can serve as a natural indicator to gardeners of temperature fluctuations and light frost conditions.
- Texture Contrast: Its evergreen foliage provides excellent texture contrast in mixed-border plantings, giving depth and diversity to garden designs.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in botanical education to illustrate hybridization and breeding techniques, given its PBR (Plant Breeders' Rights) status.
- Herbaceous Border Filler: Because of its mounding habit and attractive foliage, 'Hgc Silvermoon' can serve as an herbaceous border filler, creating a fuller garden display even when not in bloom.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hellebore is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hellebore is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hellebores, commonly known as Lenten roses, often bloom in late winter or early spring, sometimes pushing through snow, symbolizing resilience and the ability to overcome challenging conditions.
- Protection: In ancient times, hellebores were believed to have magical properties and were used to ward off negative influences or evil spirits, hence they are associated with protection.
- Serenity: The Lenten rose's subtle beauty and preference for shade can be symbolic of serenity, tranquility, and peace.
- Hope: As one of the early bloomers that heralds the end of winter, hellebores symbolize hope and the anticipation of new beginnings that come with spring.
- Beauty: Hellebores are admired for their delicate flowers and variety of colors, symbolizing the timeless beauty of nature amidst harsh conditions.
WaterHellebore 'HGC Silvermoon' should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering approximately once a week during active growth periods in spring and fall. In the hotter summer months or during a drought, the watering frequency may increase to twice a week, ensuring the plant receives consistent moisture but is not waterlogged. Over the cooler winter period, water less frequently, depending on the climate and outdoor conditions. Provide the plant with about one gallon of water at each watering session to ensure deep soil saturation.
LightHellebore 'HGC Silvermoon' thrives best in partial to full shade, avoiding the intense heat of direct afternoon sunlight. An ideal spot would be under the dappled shade of deciduous trees or on the north side of a building where it can receive filtered morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon rays, ensuring the delicate foliage does not get scorched.
TemperatureHellebore 'HGC Silvermoon' is cold-hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 5°F, making it suitable for gardeners in cooler climates. However, the ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 40°F and 80°F. It can survive brief periods of higher temperatures, but prolonged heat stress should be avoided.
PruningPrune Hellebore 'HGC Silvermoon' to remove any damaged or diseased foliage and to maintain the plant's shape, typically after blooming in late winter or early spring. Deadheading spent flowers is also recommended to promote additional blooms and prevent self-seeding. Pruning can be done annually as new growth begins to emerge.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSilvermoon Lenten Rose thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0 to 7.5). A mix of two parts garden soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part peat or compost would create ideal conditions for its growth.
RepottingSilvermoon Lenten Rose generally does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, ensuring minimal root disturbance during the process.
Humidity & MistingSilvermoon Lenten Rose prefers average humidity levels common in outdoor gardens; however, avoiding excessively high humidity is key to preventing potential disease issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, cool area, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Partial shade, sheltered spot, protect from severe frosts.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleHelleborus 'HGC Silvermoon' begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in spring when soil temperatures warm. As seedlings establish, they grow into juvenile plants, developing a robust root system and foliage. Over the first two to three years, the plants reach maturity, producing the distinctive, pale green to white flowers with pink backs for which they are known, usually blooming in late winter to early spring. Following pollination, often by bees, the flowers will produce seed pods that mature by late spring or early summer. Once ripe, the pods open, releasing seeds to begin a new cycle. Helleborus 'HGC Silvermoon' is a perennial, so after flowering, the plant will go into a period of dormancy during the hotter summer months, conserving energy to repeat its life cycle the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Lenten Rose, scientifically known as Helleborus × ericsmithii 'HGC Silvermoon' (PBR), is division. This is typically done in late winter or early spring just as the plant is emerging from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, preserving as much of the root system as possible. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, gently divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure that each new section has at least two to three growth points or buds. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth as the original plant, water them well to help establish the roots, and maintain consistent moisture until the new plants are established. This method allows gardeners to create new plants that are identical to the parent plant, and it can help revitalize older clumps that may have become too large or congested.
