Helleborus x Sternii Hybrid seeds

Description

This is a handsome plant which is a cross between Helleborus argutifolius and Helleborus lividus.  Seeds can exhibit variable characteristics, with some plants reflecting either parents characteristics.  Generally the plants have green or green tinged with pink , or green tinged with brown flowers  ,  and the foliage can range from dark green through to light greeny gray  with a pinkish tinge.  It is a plant which is valuable as a foliage filler, where its handsome leaves are an easily upkept background to other plants, and of course there is the added bonus of flowers borne  above the leaves in groups .Interestingly the seeds have small whitish outer attachments (elaiosomes) which are sweet and are attractive to ants which transport the seeds back to their nest, thus aiding dispersal.

This plant seems to do well in dappled  shade   and partial sun areas  but will also grow in full sun.

Sowing advice

Sow the seeds , as soon as  you get them  as they grow best fresh .  Sow in trays or pots.
Sow onto moist well-drained seed raising mix. Cover with a fine layer  of mix. Place the pot into a plastic bag and seal to retain moisture. Propagate at 18-20°C for 8 weeks. After this, keep at   4 deg C for 8 weeks. Fridge works well for upper North Island. Germination starts at 4 deg C and can be erratic, taking between 30 – 180 days. Inspect the seeds regularly and pot up any germinated seeds  for ongrowing.  After the 8 weeks , remove the pot from the fridge and take out of the plastic bag. Keep the pot at about 10 deg C.  in a well lit place but out of direct sun.