Lilies and Hellebores: early bloomers

Liz Knowles pays tribute to the unsung early bloomers: lilies and hellebores.

April 22, 2010 | | Blogs

Not too many people are familiar with Bulbocodium vernum, a bulb in the lily family. It’s one of the earliest to bloom in the spring.

By Liz Knowles

It bulks up nicely over several years and looks good in the rock garden in front of a dwarf conifer.

Bulbocodium vernum. Photo by Liz Knowles.

Hellebores also make a real statement at this time of year as the flowers emerge.

The Lentern Rose, Helleborus niger, is not as well known as the more common Helleborus hybridus types. The erect white blooms are a great magnet for bees and assorted insects.

All of last year’s hellebore leaves should be removed first thing in the spring before the new blooms appear. The flowers last for well over a month and as the seeds form the petals turn green. The new leaves provide interest in the garden all season.

Helleborus niger, also known as the Lentern Rose. Photo by Liz Knowles.

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Liz Knowles gardens at Larkspur Hollow in Hockley Valley

About the Author More by Liz Knowles

Liz Knowles has been gardening in the Hockley Valley for more than 25 years.

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