Winter is a complicated time for gardens, because during this time of year most plants go into a state in which their growth stops and we hardly see flowers. However, there are also species that love low temperatures, as is the case of the helleborus argutifolius.
This plant, native to the region of Mallorca, has the peculiarity of flowering during winter. Thus ensuring that our garden or our balcony has a bit of wildlife even when it is cold.
This is the helleborus argutifolius
Because it blooms in winter, this plant is nicknamed “Spiny-leaved Christmas Rosary,” and you may also find it under the name “spiny-leaved helleboro.”
It is a plant belonging to the helleborus family, which is characterized by having evergreen leaves, cup-shaped flowers, winter or early spring flowering, moderate size and being very resistant.
In the specific case of helleborus argutifolius, we can highlight:
- Thorny leaves. The leaves of this variety are divided and have toothed lobes and thorny margins. Its dark color remains throughout the year, which makes the plant attractive even when it is not in flowering season.
- Cup-shaped flowers. One of the characteristics of Helleborus is that its flowers grow cup-shaped, in colors ranging from pale green (it is one of the few plants that produces green flowers naturally) to white. They are delicate-looking flowers and usually sprout in the last weeks of winter or the first weeks of spring.
- Size. This is a moderate sized plant, so it can grow well in a pot. It does not usually exceed 45 centimeters in height, and it does not expand too much either.
- Hermaphrodite. The flowers of this variety have male and female reproductive organs, this facilitates pollination and propagation of the plant.
- Resistance. It is a plant that offers good resistance against pests and diseases. In addition, it can withstand low temperatures.
Helleborus argutifolius care
Despite being little known, this species is easy to care for and gives very good results in winter gardens. On the other hand, as it is a perennial plant, we can also enjoy the beauty of its leaves and its appearance during the summer, even if it is not flowering at that time.
To ensure that this plant looks beautiful and grows strong, we are going to apply the following care:
Light conditions
Virtually all helleborus varieties prefer to receive partial sunlight rather than being in the shade.
Since it is a perennial plant, if you live in an area with warm temperatures, try to put it in a place where during the summer it does not receive direct sunlight, especially during the hours when the sun's rays fall most intensely.
Culture medium
Like most plants, helleborus argutifolius It does not tolerate waterlogging of its roots well. Therefore, it is better to plant it in a soil that has good drainage capacity.
It is recommended to use a substrate that is rich in organic material and have a Slightly acidic/neutral pH, around 6.5.
Watering helleborus argutifolius
The plant is in the active growth phase between spring and summer, like most species. During these times, irrigation should be moderate, ensuring that the substrate stays moist. To achieve this, you must find a watering frequency that is consistent with the temperature conditions of the place where you are, but the normal thing is water once or twice a week.
In autumn and winter the plant is in a semi-dormant phase and does not need as much water. Furthermore, if you have it outdoors, it will receive humidity due to the effect of dew and possible fog. In these cases you can space out the watering even more.
Pruning this plant
Before the growth phase begins, early spring You can prune the plant and remove any damaged leaves. During the flowering phase you can remove wilted flowers without any problem, this will promote healthier growth.
winter protection
Although we are talking about a plant that tolerates the cold well, if you live in a region where winters are especially cold and frost is common, it is good that you give it some protection.
Apply one mulch layer (organic mulch) around its base. This allows it to conserve moisture and keep the temperature of the soil and roots more constant.
If you have the plant in a pot, you can move it to a place where it is more protected. For example, a porch, or simply a space where it has a wall that protects it a little.
Propagation of helleborus argutifolius
This plant reproduces through seeds, but you can also obtain new plants through division of those you already have. This should be done in spring or fall. This way you not only get new plants, but you promote the renewal of more mature plants.
Separate the plant into several parts, place them in a pot appropriate to their size, use a quality substrate, find a good location and make sure that the growing medium remains moist but not waterlogged. In a few weeks the plants will have taken root and adapted to their new habitat.
Plagues and diseases
This is a fairly resistant plant and it is rare that it can get sick. However, because it is in contact with other varieties, it is important that periodically check for insects, especially aphids, which can be very destructive.
Also check the sheets for detect possible fungal infestations, and keep in mind that these may be due to excessive watering.
Helleborus argutifolius is a plant that will give life to your garden during the coldest months of the year, and will also continue to provide beauty once flowering is finished, because it has foliage that is quite striking. You have already seen that it is easy to care for and very resistant, so we encourage you to make room for it in your home.