Spotlight on Hellebores: Ashwood Evolution Group

 

Not only was it the first time that these popular early Spring-flowering herbaceous perennials had been shown as a single exhibit at Chelsea, but it also put Helleborus x hybridus Ashwood Evolution Group firmly in the spotlight.

The Evolution Group, which is exclusive to Ashwood Nurseries, has developed as a result of hybridising our finest golden yellow Helleborus x hybridus Ashwood Garden Hybrids.

This painstaking process has yielded some spectacular results and the Evolution Group comprises singles, doubles and anemones in the most sublime shades of golden yellow, amber, peach, apricot and even red. Nectaries typically are golden yellow but red nectaries also are common, some enhanced by a vibrant red flush. Some blooms are picotee, some are beautifully veined while others are delicately spotted; all are enchanting.

All plants are characterised by large outward-facing blooms on strong stems, good colour on the backs and long-lasting colour retention. The foliage is healthy and robust, with the added bonus that some selections have distinctive yellow-green leaves that intensify to buttercup yellow in Autumn.

Named colour selections are already well established and include Neon, Sunset and Daybreak shades but, as our Chelsea exhibit reveals, there are many new and exciting developments in the pipeline and the breeding programme is constantly evolving.

 

A Brief Look at Hellebore Breeding at Ashwood

The story of hellebores at Ashwood Nurseries began in the late 1980’s when nursery owner John Massey, realising their potential as a winter crop, began acquiring plants and gleaning knowledge from specialists of the time (Elizabeth Strangman, Helen Ballard, Will McClewin, Robin and Sue White).

The task of establishing a breeding programme, with Helleborus x hybridus at its heart, was given to Ashwood grower Kevin Belcher, assisted by Jill Pearce. Seed propagation by cross-pollination of selected parents and stringent selection of their progeny over many years has resulted in Helleborus x hybridus Ashwood Garden Hybrids being widely recognised as one of the best strains of hellebores ever produced, achieving numerous RHS Gold medals over many years of exhibiting.

Around 8 to 10 thousand Ashwood Garden Hybrids are produced annually and breeding work is ongoing so that the strain is evolving all the time. Kevin’s recently launched Helleborus x hybridus Ashwood Evolution Group is aptly named and includes some remarkable colour breakthroughs; interspecies hybrids are proving another rich source of new varieties for the future, waiting in the wings to wow the gardening public. One thing is certain: a plant breeder’s work is never finished.

In John’s words: “Let no one ever tell you that all the breeding possibilities have been done. There are always plenty of new excitements every year, and remember…you are never too old to dream.”

Countdown to Chelsea: read more

YouTube: ASHWOOD TAKES HELLEBORES TO CHELSEA: (uploaded by Howard Drury) watch now