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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 11 30 varieties of hellebores in its virtual "Flower Library," falling mostly into green, white, pink and purple color categories. Designing with hellebores is a rewarding challenge worth taking. Although most commonly seen in woodland and cottage-style flower arrangements, these flowers, with their wide array of colors, are an excellent fit for other styles of floral design, too. Double-flowered and multi-layer varieties are a stellar selection for spring and winter weddings. e 'Double Ellen White' variety, which is available from Mayesh from around August through February, is a shining example of hellebore hybrids that are suitable for bridal work. Featuring three wavy layers of cool white petals that morph into a lime green at the center, wedding clients wanting classic color palettes will be delighted by these blooms. Alternatively, for tropical-nouveau-style arrangements, darker hues, such as the purplish black WINTER JEWELS™ 'Onyx Odyssey' hybrid, are unexpectedly savvy choices for pairing with waxy tropical flowers such as Anthurium. No matter the job, we implore you to consider our in-season friends—the humble hellebores— this winter, for inclusion in your seasonal floral designs. SIX TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING THE VASE LIFE OF CUT HELLEBORES 1. Selecting blooms that were harvested at the proper stage of development is key. When shopping at a wholesaler, inspect hellebores closely to ensure a seedpod has begun to form in the centers. Flowers harvested before this optimal stage of development will, instead, have a fringed appearance, with stamens, and will last only a fraction of the time in arrangements. 2. Try putting a pin in it. When conditioning hellebores, insert a clean pin or sewing needle 1.5 inches into the center of each freshly cut stem end. 3. FloraLife ® Quick Dip 100, an instant hydrating treatment that helps maximize the uptake of flower nutrient solution and keeps flower stems optimally hydrated, is an excellent product for use with hellebores and can be paired with other nonchemical methods, for increased vase life. 4. Submerge the entire flower (blooms, foliage and stems) into clean, cold (50 F) water for two hours before use. During this procedure, pressure differences will cause water will be pulled up from the base of the stem and into the cells of the leaves and petals as the stomata (pores) on the leaves and petals open. This two-hour submersion in cold water, coupled with the use of FloraLife ® Quick Dip 100, has been proved to be the most effective procedure for increasing the uptake of water/flower nutrient solution. 5. An old-time trick for perking up wilted, water- stressed flowers involves placing the ends of freshly cut stems into 1 inch of parboiled water for 30 to 60 seconds to enhance water uptake. NOTE: If blooms are just beginning to wilt or are only mildly wilted, hot water (110 F to 140 F) should work; for woody or badly wilted stems, water that is 180 F to 200 F is better. Water at temperatures near boiling will "cook" fleshy stem ends, so cut off those sections of stems after the flowers have revived. Also, be careful not to "steam" the blooms or foliage; place stems in the container of hot water at an angle, away from rising steam. 6. If hellebores are harvested at an immature stage (with the stamens present), cut stems short before arranging them, or float stemless blooms in water containing flower nutrient solution. Floral design by Jill Charnley Roses by the Brook Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, England @rosesbythebrook

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