Helleborus lemperii Walbertons Rosemary PP 19439
(aka: Helleborus ‘Walhero’) Helleborus x lemperii ‘Walberton’s Rosemary’ was one of the earliest hybrids of Helleborus niger and Helleborus x hybridus. This prolific-flowering selection from the UK’s David Tristram was discovered in 2000. Even now, stock remains very scarce. In our trials, Helleborus ‘Walberton’s Rosemary’ starts flowering in early February (NC) with rosy-pink flowers that age darker pink. The foliage and flowers are intermediate between both parents and, like Helleborus niger, the flowers face outward and are less damaged by severe freezes than Helleborus x hybridus. Also, Helleborus ‘Walberton’s Rosemary’ is sterile, so there won’t be any surprise offspring to deal with. We find that Helleborus ‘Walberton’s Rosemary’ prefers a bit more sun than typical Helleborus x hybridus, so no deep shade.
