Why: (from the Park Seed Site) “A gardener's “dream plant” — very permanent, very low-maintenance, very disease-free, very pest-free! Easy to establish from our vigorous container stock. Over the years each will develop into sturdy, long-lived clumps 18 to 24 inches high and 2 to 3 feet across. Totally tolerant of heat and humidity, and even periods of drought, if given well-drained, moisture-retentive soil. Can even thrive in clay! Zones 4-8.”

Notes: Though hesitant to spend this amount of money on one plant, I was intrigued with the marketing copy on the Park site about the vigorous nature and easy care. Impressed by both the size (3.5" pot) and vigorous state, I planted it within a couple of days of receipt; thus far it has adapted well. I selected a nice shady spot for it, as it is said to be shade loving though tolerant of partial sun. I don't expect this one to bloom this year.

After the fact: with a pang of guilt in terms of spending $11 plus shipping costs for one plant, I looked around online after for other Helleborus plants and prices. Michigan Bulb offers 3 of the plants below (left) for the low price of $7.99 plus shipping — not the same hybrid, but still interesting — and seems to be a good value. Spring Hill has two other varieties White Lady and Blue Lady, each $9.99 — so definitely a somewhat better value assuming shipping charges are within reason and if a single color works for you.

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