A beautiful evergreen perennial with elegant white to soft pink flowers, each petal finely edged in pinkish-purple and speckled at the centre. Blooms in early spring, with flowers fading to a soft green set against dark, leathery foliage. Height 40cm. Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Hardy.
Helleborus orientalis ‘Solar Delight’ is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its early spring blooms in soft white to pink tones, each delicately edged with pinkish-purple and speckled at the centre. The elegant flowers gradually fade to a soft green, beautifully offset by dark, leathery foliage. Reaching a height of 40cm, this hardy perennial is ideal for shady borders, woodland gardens, or winter containers.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Helleborus orientalis ‘Solar Delight’ in spring when the ground begins to warm. This gives the roots time to establish before the growing season, encouraging strong development and early blooms.
Autumn: Autumn is another excellent time to plant Helleborus, allowing the plant to settle in before winter and flourish when spring arrives.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Helleborus thrives in partial to full shade. It’s ideal for borders under deciduous trees or in shaded corners of the garden where direct sunlight is limited.
Soil: Choose humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Incorporate organic matter such as leaf mould or compost to boost fertility and ensure healthy drainage. Helleborus does not perform well in waterlogged or overly dry conditions.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. This provides ample space for the roots of your Helleborus to spread and grow.
Soil Enrichment: Blend organic compost or well-rotted manure into the excavated soil to enrich it and improve structure.
Positioning the Plant: Place the plant in the hole so the crown sits just at or slightly above soil level. Backfill with the enriched soil and firm gently to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Ensure the area remains moist but not saturated to help Helleborus orientalis ‘Solar Delight’ settle in well.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Water deeply rather than frequently to encourage deep root growth.
Dormant Season: In winter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient. Only water Helleborus orientalis ‘Solar Delight’ during prolonged dry periods.
Feeding
Spring: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser or organic compost in early spring as new growth appears. This boosts flowering and supports healthy foliage.
Post-Flowering: A light mulch of compost after flowering can replenish nutrients and promote vigorous growth for the following season.
Pruning and Maintenance
Tidying Foliage: In late winter or early spring, before new blooms appear, remove old or damaged leaves to reduce the risk of disease and highlight the fresh flowers of Helleborus orientalis ‘Solar Delight’.
Deadheading: While not essential, removing spent blooms can encourage a tidier appearance and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a generous mulch of compost or well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in early spring. This helps retain moisture and enrich the soil.
Winter Protection: A mulch layer also provides insulation for the roots during colder months, ensuring that your Helleborus returns reliably each year.
General Care Tips
Helleborus orientalis ‘Solar Delight’ is a hardy, evergreen perennial that offers long-lasting interest. Its stunning speckled blooms and leathery foliage provide valuable colour and texture from winter into spring. Plant it near paths or entryways where its elegant flowers can be appreciated up close
Select options 
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.