Double-Ellen® Helleborus

Together with their daughter Ellen Akerboom, Peter and Gerda Akerboom are involved in the breeding of various crops. In 1980, Peter Akerboom started breeding Asters for cut flowers. Today, alongside Helleborus, Asters are our specialty. Our varieties are grown worldwide in countries including Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Ecuador. Visit www.asters.nl for more information.

We started breeding Helleborus in 1997. Because we had little work with our Asters during the winter months, the Helleborus fits perfectly into our cultivation plan. By now, this a hobby that got out of hand and has become an important product at our nursery.

Various types are available for slicing from the Double Ellen® series:

• Double Ellen® Red Cutflower
• Double Ellen® White Cutflower
• Double Ellen® Pink Cutflower
• Double Ellen® Picotee Cutflower

The Double Ellen® cut flower varieties have sturdy, long stems. The length is between 35 and 50 cm, depending on ripeness.

Thanks to the extra petals of the double-flowered Double Ellen® varieties, they retain their ornamental value for a long time, even after flowering.

Our Double Ellen® are vigorous growers and usually bloom in the first year after planting. After a few years, you will have a beautiful plant that can easily produce 20 flower stalks.

Shelf life is a point of concern for cut Helleborus. Stems can wilt quickly if placed indoors. Despite this, it is a popular product among florists.

Always use Florissant 830; this has a positive effect on shelf life. It helps to harvest when ripe (when the first flowers have fully colored). The stems are then less soft and have a longer shelf life.