Have you ever had flashbacks where you’ve seen something very familiar, but you didn’t actually know what you were looking at? I recently experienced one of these moments while doing some online research when I came across an issue I experienced back in the days when I was a perennial grower. 

Image by Jean Williams-Woodward. 

I think growers often see cultural issues such as those shown above and assume the plants in the images are prone to issues. Like most plants, hellebores can experience a few cultural issues from time to time, but these problems don't define the beauty or general ease of production these plants typically provide. Let’s shift our focus to showcase the many beautiful appearances and options hellebores offer.

Frostkiss Dorothy’s Dawn PP&L

Frostkiss Elemental PP&L

North Star Garnet Frills Terra Nova Nurseries

Winter Delights Double White With Red Spots Plant Delights Nursery

HGC Ice N’ Roses Mona Marble Heuger

Winter Ballet Katie Heuger

Winter Jewels Golden Lotus Little Prince of Oregon Nursery

Winter Jewels Sun Flare Little Price of Oregon Nursery

I can’t speak for the entire country, but here in the Midwest we've experienced some very cool nights, as well as overall cooler, more fall-like temperatures. With temperatures changes and fall growing conditions, growers are presented with new types of problems than they've been accustomed to with warmer growing conditions. 

I showed this image at the top of the newsletter and asked if you could determine the cause of the spotting across the leaf surface. How do you think you did? Before I reveal the answer, it may be helpful if we take a closer look.