Q. In last week’s TNT you discussed Helleborus argutifolius. You mentioned that it will probably die after 5 or 6 years. I this the case with all Helleborus? I have recently purchased a Helleborus Orientalis Mrs Betty Ranicar.
A. I believe this is specific to the species since the most hellebores can live upwards of 15 years. Helleborus argutifolius is the only species I have seen noted as a short lived perennial (which connotes 4-5 year lifespan). It should be noted that as a group herbaceous perennials can vary widely on their lifespan. For example I know people who have passes on peonies from generation to generation. Of course the minimum to be considered a perennial is two years but beyond that has to do with the environment and the genetics of the plant. This means both as a group – as I say in this case the species Helleborus argutifolius is short lived – and as individuals. Individuals within a species can buck the trend. This is something that often comes up with the Blue Poppy as well. Many strains are short lived, while others can remain for years. It is sometimes difficult to determine if this is due to their genetic makeup or due to the conditions they are grown in. The Blue Poppy is susceptible to crown rot. In their native lands in the Himalayas they are coved in snow all winter. Here they are not and if they are not well drained a film of water on the soil surface can freeze compressing and damaging the crown. This is often why Blue Poppies may only last a few seasons. This is why I have seen recommendations to remove the top inch of soil around the crown of the plants and fill with sharp sand, pumice or Perlite to prevent a film of water from forming. If you have a known short lived plant then it is good to plan ahead for replacements. Sometimes as in the case with the hellebores they can self seed and provide free replacements.