Hellebores: A Comprehensive Guide [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

C. Colston Burrell (Author), Judith Knott Tyler (Author), Richard Tyler (Photographer), Daniel J. Hinkley (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 20, 2006

A mere 10 years ago, hellebores were considered connoisseurs' plants — subdued in coloration, hard to find, and the subject of much snobbery. Today, however, they are among the hottest perennials, thanks to their early bloom, long-lasting flowers, shade tolerance, handsome foliage, and the profusion of new colors and forms that have recently become available. Authors Cole Burrell and Judith Tyler have produced what is arguably the definitive book on this genus, packed with up-to-the-minute, comprehensive information on growing, maintenance, design, hybridization and selection, and trouble-shooting. This lavishly illustrated volume will interest hellebore lovers at every level of interest.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The allure of the Christmas rose and the remarkable availability of the Lenten rose have heightened the rising popularity of these treasured perennials. Co-authors Colston Burrell and Judith Knott Tyler capture all of this and bring to light many of the new seed strains and hybrids in this monograph on the Helleborus genus."
—Richie Steffen, American Gardener, September 2006 (American Gardener )

"[Burrell and Tyler] have produced what is most likely the most complete work on the subject."
—John Bagnasco, Garden Compass, September/October 2006 (Garden Compass )

"This thorough and reliable book is the most up-to-date available on the genus at present."
—Tony Lord, Plantsman, September 2006 (Plantsman )

Book Description

Long considered connoisseurs plants, hellebores are now among the hottest perennials thanks to their early bloom, long-lasting flowers, shade tolerance, handsome foliage, and the profusion of new colors and forms. Authors Cole Burrell and Judith Tyler have produced what is arguably the definitive book on the genus for hellebore lovers at every level of interest.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (March 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881927651
• ISBN-13: 978-0881927658
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 7.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #518,048 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Irresistible Plants, Irresistible Book!!, April 10, 2006

By 

Jonathan M. Lehrer (NY/CT, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hellebores: A Comprehensive Guide (Hardcover)

For such a widely heralded group of plants, hellebores have always suffered from a dearth of supporting literature. Many of the best books are out-of-print and nearly impossible to find. The few volumes available approach the genus from a decidely European vantage point. This book solves both problems -- delivering comprehensive information applicable to a North American audience. Almost all chapters are well-researched and written in a scholarly tone. Quality photographs supplement the text. The book pays tribute to the European influence on raising hellebores to their current lofty position, but at the same time ample attention is devoted to American contributors and the peculiarities of U.S. growing conditions. My one qualm is the book's lack of focus on a major trend in future hybrid hellebore development, namely the mass production of superior named clones (such as doubles) via tissue culture. Barry Glick at Sunshine Farm and Gardens (competition for Tyler's Pine Knot??) is a leader in this effort. Despite this minor flaw, the book is destined to become a standard work consulted by horticulturists for years to come.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hellebores and the Humans Who Love Them, December 19, 2006

By 

Jonathan Nyberg (Durham, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hellebores: A Comprehensive Guide (Hardcover)

Hellebores and the Humans Who Love Them

This book is the story of hellebores, and the humans who love them. In Great Britain it is about Good King John and the Knights of Ashwood, breeding to the highest standards of beauty. It is about Brian, the Earl of Taxon, smitten as a boy who "...found a hybrid of the H. orientalis type on a rubbish tip..." But now, a little hellebore hate has crept in because "...there is no foolproof system of classification." And there is Will, the Dark Lord of Phedar refusing to bow to the "horticultural elite", refusing to write their "pap". On his own path, he has "...spread hellebores throughout the world."

The Queen Mother's Strangman and Ballard, who "...provided a wide, firm base upon which breeders have built." Now Lord Robin of Blackthorn, Sir Kevin of Ashwood and their plants have "...set a new standard for H x hybridus."

In the United States are the Tyler's of Southern Virginia and the O'Byrne's of The Pacific Northwest, with Sir Colston holding court as he preaches around the country.

This book is the story of the care and patience, the worry and work that these people, and many more, have given to the hellebores.

And what have the hellebores given us in return? Let's start with blazing, dazzling color, at a time of year when it can be leisurely appreciated. Let's move on to the subtle colors of red, silver and chartreuse on leaves, veins, buds, stems and stalks. They freely offer us their seeds. They grow in dry shade, are long lived, and usually they scoff at the deer and voles that come sniffing around. They make an almost perfect group of plants for the home garden where I live in Durham, North Carolina.

After years of collecting, growing and breeding hellebores the authors have given us this book, not just their experience but the experience of dozens over time. This book gives voice to an entire community. It took a global village to raise the hellebores. And raise it they did, from horticultural obscurity to perennial plant of the year.

Authenticity reigns throughout this book. From history and taxonomy through the species, hybrids, propagation, breeding, growing, design, and even cut flower information, the authors write from their own experience or the direct experience of others.

Are there flaws in the book? Of course there are. Anyone wanting to read my notes entitled, " Flaws, nitpicky and otherwise," are free to email me at [...] and I will share them readily. Seriously.

My only complaint for this review is that Richard Tyler's name is not on the front of the book, because his photos, as well as his considerable heart and soul, fill the inside pages.

If you want to learn more about this magnificent tribe we call hellebores, and the magnificent people who love them, then buy this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When he wrote comprehensive, Burrell meant it, November 18, 2008

By 

Dee A. Nash "reddirtramblin" (Oklahoma City, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hellebores: A Comprehensive Guide (Hardcover)

It is obvious to me that Cole Burrell loves his subject. He came to speak at our horticulture society meeting last year, and this book sold out. Later, I was able to obtain a copy, and I'm so glad I did. I now understand how complex and interesting this genus of plants is. I also feel confident that I can grow many of them in my Oklahoma garden. This is also a great reference for those of us who write about plants.