Helleborus orientalis

In early spring, new foliage and flowers emerge on this plant. The flowers persist for months. By midsummer the stems droop and the seeds fall to the ground. They germinate the following spring. Note that the foliage on the seedling is round while the mature foliage form is like English ivy.

Hellebore seedling

These are seedlings from the previous flower. Though H. orientalis hybrids do not come true from seed, there is not great variation from the parent to the child. These seedlings will bloom in two years, if well grown.

Hardy Cyclamen

Cyclamen hederiofolium blooms in the fall. The seeds germinate the following spring at the base of the plant where they fall.

Helleborus foetidus

This hellebore readily reseeds and will form huge colonies in the shade garden. It blooms taller and produces more blossoms than orientalis hybrids. This photo shows both emerging and one year old seedlings. They bloom the second year.