Rare rose going on show at Great Dixter

Named after the plantswoman, Anna Pavord, the new hellebore Anna’s Red, is said to be a breakthrough in hellebore breeding. It has striking red flowers and dark red stems.

As a cut flower, it lasts well in water and does not droop. The hellebore has been developed over more than 10 years by RD Plants, one of the UK’s small specialist hellebore nurseries.

A Winter Opening Weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, February 25/26, offers a rare chance to see the beautiful structure of the garden in all its winter beauty.

There will be talks and workshops on how to grow and propigate hellebores taking place on the Saturday, from 11am - 1pm, and Sunday from 11am - 3pm.

Head gardener Fergus Garrett said: “Hellebores, the gorgeous Lenten roses, always tuck themselves neatly in our borders. This stunning red plant is a great tribute to Anna who has been a great friend to Dixter for so long. People have always come to Dixter to learn – this weekend is an inspiration for hellebore lovers.”

Great Dixter will re-open on April 1. People who wish to visit the garden before then can sign up for the Study Day on preparing borders for spring and summer, given by Fergus Garrett on March 26, which gives free admission to the garden.

To book places at the events, visit www.greatdixter.co.uk/events.htm or telephone 01797 254048.